Chiral bifunctional sulfamides were found to be highly efficient organocatalysts for the conjugate addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins in the presence of base additives.

An organocatalytic three-component reaction of isatins, malononitrile and isocyanoacetates provided 3,3′-dihydropyrryl-spirooxindoles in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The products could be readily converted to valuable 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-spirooxindoles.

Nitrogen heterocycles could be prepared in good yields via intramolecular cyclization of tertiary amines and alkenes promoted by KOt-Bu–DMF.