title: Asymmetric Aldol Synthesis: Choice of Organocatalyst and Conditions.
abstract: This is the first report of a successful asymmetric aldol reaction of acetone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde catalyzed by only 0.01 mol % of proline tetrazole (5-pyrrolidin-2-yltetrazole). Amazingly, 3 mol % of water as an additive has significantly improved the efficiency of the aldol reaction in terms of yield and enantioselectivity, up to a 0.1-mol-scale production (up to 99 % isolated yield, 84 % ee).
authors.affiliation: Molecular Catalyst Research Center, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nakashima
authors.affiliation: Molecular Catalyst Research Center, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Hisashi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
keywords: 5-pyrrolidin-2-yltetrazole; aldol reaction; asymmetric catalysts; proline catalyst; water chemistry