Organocatalysts, particularly proline sulfonamide organocatalysts, having a first general formula as follows are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for using these organocatalysts also are disclosed. The method comprises providing a disclosed organocatalyst, and performing a reaction, often an enantioselective or diastereoselective reaction, using the organocatalyst. Solely by way of example, disclosed catalysts can be used to perform aldol reactions, conjugate additions, Michael additions, Robinson annulations, Mannich reactions, α-aminooxylations, α-hydroxyaminations, α-aminations and alkylation reactions. Certain of such reactions are intramolecular cyclizations used to form cyclic compounds, such as 5-or 6-membered rings, having one or more chiral centers Disclosed organocatalysts generally are much more soluble in typical solvents used for organic synthesis than are known compounds. Moreover, the reaction yield is generally quite good with disclosed compounds, as is their enantioselective and diastereoselective effectiveness.