title: Highly enantioselective direct aldol reaction catalyzed by organic molecules.
abstract: We have demonstrated that a new class of l-proline-based organic compounds catalyzed the direct aldol reaction between aldehydes and acetone to provide beta-hydroxy ketones in good yields. The reaction is efficient, and 5-10 mol % of the catalyst and excellent enantioselectivities (97-99% ee) were obtained in both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The presence of a gem-diphenyl group at the beta-carbon is necessary for high enantioselectivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India 208 016.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raj
authors.forename: Vishnumaya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vishnumaya
authors.forename: Sandeep K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ginotra
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Singh