C -symmetric sulfonamides as homogeneous and heterogeneous organocatalysts that mimic enzymes in enantioselective Michael additions.

Herein, we report the synthesis of C -symmetric sulfonamides as homogeneous and heterogeneous organocatalysts and their application in the enantioselective conjugate 1,4-Michael addition of carbonylic nucleophiles to β-nitrostyrene. Organocatalysts hydrogen bond to β-nitrostyrene and enamine in the transition state, mimicking an enzyme leading to final products in high yields (up to 98%) and good enantioselectivities (up to 96%). In addition, these results were supported by density functional calculations.