10.1002/ejoc.201000569
The research focuses on the development and application of C3-symmetric proline-functionalized organocatalysts for enantioselective Michael addition reactions. The purpose of this study was to design catalysts with higher symmetry to reduce the number of reaction pathways and enhance selectivity in asymmetric synthesis. The researchers synthesized a series of C3-symmetric catalysts based on 1,3,5-triethylbenzene and evaluated their performance in the Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to β-nitrostyrenes. The catalysts were synthesized from Boc-protected L-proline and various substituted amines, and the key chemicals used in the process included ethyl chloroformate, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and borane-tetrahydrofuran complex (BH3·SMe2). The study concluded that the C3-symmetric catalyst 4, which allowed for conformational flexibility, was highly effective for the Michael addition reactions, leading to products with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. This work demonstrates the potential of C3-symmetric catalysts in organocatalysis and their ability to control molecular order in enantioselective reactions.