We describe the application of a novel family of trisulfonamide (TSA) calix[6]arenes in general acid catalysis. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between acidic TSA and methanol boosted the reactivity of the Michael addition of indoles to nitroalkene derivatives. The transformation occurs at a low catalyst loading of 5 mol%, allowing for the synthesis of nitroalkanes with good yields and functional group tolerance.
![Graphical abstract: Trisulfonamide calix[6]arene-catalysed Michael addition to nitroalkenes](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D0OB01319F.jpg)