A new class of structurally rigid tricyclic chiral secondary amine organocatalyst: highly enantioselective organocatalytic Michael addition of aldehydes to vinyl sulfones.

A new class of chiral secondary amine organocatalyst was rationally designed as an efficient catalyst to catalyze the elusive Michael addition of aldehydes to vinyl sulfones. High yield and excellent enantioselectivities could be obtained at room temperature without having to resort to high catalyst loading, anhydrous solvents, and low temperatures. Efficient control of enamine conformation and face shielding as well as the rigid nature of the tricyclic skeleton, with an inherent chiral pocket, provide a well-organized chiral environment to effect this elusive reaction efficiently.