Asymmetric Michael Addition Mediated by Novel Cinchona Alkaloid-Derived Bifunctional Catalysts Containing Sulfonamides

Novel cinchona alkaloid-derived bifunctional organocatalysts containing sulfonamide groups were utilized to promote Michael addition of bicyclic α-substituted β-ketoesters to nitroolefins. The desired Michael adducts with all-carbon quaternary centers were constructed in high yield and with excellent enantioselectivity, demonstrating the great potential of cinchona alkaloid-derived sulfonamides in asymmetric catalysis.