A novel thiourea type organocatalyst possessing a single NH functionality

Abstract

A novel thiourea organocatalyst was rationally designed by altering a typical H-bonding pattern of thiourea derivatives and utilising the potential of the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) phenyl motif to participate in the H-bond formation. This unique catalyst afforded the products of the alpha-amination and Michael reaction in excellent yields and with a high level of stereoselectivity. Although additional studies are necessary to establish the full potential of the catalyst and to broaden its application further, the presented results may indicate alternative routes for further exploration of the thiourea class of organocatalysts.