L-threonine-derived novel bifunctional phosphine-sulfonamide catalyst-promoted enantioselective aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction.

A series of novel bifunctional phosphine-sulfonamide organic catalysts were designed and readily prepared from natural amino acids, and they were utilized to promote enantioselective aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reactions. L-threonine-derived phosphine-sulfonamide 9b was found to be the most efficient catalyst, affording the desired aza-MBH adducts in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities.