The
cascade reactions of carbohydrates with methyl ketones in the
presence of proline feature complex running reaction steps. By extensive
quantum mechanical simulation, a coherent reaction mechanism was identified
matching the experimental data. The present calculations indicate
a Mannich reaction/proline hydrolysis/retro aza-Michael cascade to
form an intermediate α,β-unsaturated ethyl ketone. This
key precursor yields C-glycosides by a final intramolecular
amine-catalyzed oxa-Michael addition. Additionally, the formation
of this intermediate determines the rate and selectivity of the overall
cascade reaction. Strongly matched and mismatched cases were observed
when used with d- or l-proline. They are consistent
with the calculated energy barriers of the corresponding transition
states.