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Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Chiral C2 -symmetric bis-thioureas as enzyme mimics in enantioselective Michael addition
Harold Cruz1, Felipe A Servín1, Gerardo Aguirre1
1Centro de Graduados e Investigación en Química, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico.
Abstract:
We report herein the synthesis and application of enantiopure C2 -symmetric primary amine-1,3-bis-thiourea organocatalysts in enantioselective conjugate 1,4-Michael addition of carbonyl containing nucleophiles, to nitroalkenes and N-phenylmaleimide, leading to final products in good enantioselectivities (up to 99%) and yields (up to 99%). We propose supramolecular noncovalent interactions within the organocatalyst's cleft between the substrate and the catalyst, via hydrogen bonding. Supramolecular interaction thus lowers the transition state energy mimicking an enzyme. Mechanism underlying our experimental results is supported by theorical calculations.
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