The first asymmetric 1,4-addition of azlactones to alpha,beta-unsaturated trichloromethyl ketones catalyzed by cinchona alkaloid derived bifunctional thiourea catalysts was developed. A series of alpha, alpha-disubstituted alpha-amino acid derivatives bearing a quaternary stereocenter at the alpha-position were obtained in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to > 20: 1 dr and 99% ee). In addition, the trichloromethyl moiety in these adducts was identified as a good leaving group. ; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology