C2‐symmetric sulfonamides as homogeneous and heterogeneous organocatalysts that mimic enzymes in enantioselective Michael additions

Herein, we report the synthesis of C2‐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.