A switchable [2]rotaxane asymmetric organocatalyst that utilizes an acyclic chiral secondary amine.

ABSTRACT

A rotaxane-based switchable asymmetric organocatalyst has been synthesized in which the change of the position of the macrocycle reveals or conceals an acyclic, yet still highly effective, chiral organocatalytic group. This allows control over both the rate and stereochemical outcome of a catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition.