Organocataslysts and methods of use in chemical synthesis

A compound according to the structure:

• Where Y is O or S;
• Z is N;
• n is 0-6;
• R1 and R2 are independently H, or a C1-C10 hydrocarbyl group optionally substituted with an electron, withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group;
• R3 is H, halogen, CN, NO2, a CO2R group, wherein R is an aromatic group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group, or C1-C6 alkyl group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group;
• Ar is an aromatic group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkoxy group or O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group;
• X is an aromatic group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group, OR4 or N(R4)2, where each R4 is independently C1-C6 alkyl group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group, C3-C7 carbocyclic group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group, or an aromatic group which is optionally substituted with an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a O—(C1-C6) alkoxy group, or a salt thereof.