Design Aspects of Metal-Free Nitrogen-Based Catalysts and Their Influence on the Yield in the Henry Reaction

Design aspects of metal-free nitrogen-based catalysts and their influence on the yield in the Henry reaction are disclosed. C-1-Symmetric, N,N-1,2-disposed amine-imine type catalysts were found to be most efficient. C-1-N,N-1,2-Disposed 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1'-biisoquinoline selectively and efficiently catalyzed the addition of nitromethane to alpha-keto esters and aldehydes giving exclusively the corresponding beta-nitro alcohol adducts in excellent yields under very mild conditions.