Developing Novel Organocatalyzed Aldol Reactions for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules

Abstract

Aldol reaction is one of the most important methods for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. Because of its significance and usefulness, asymmetric versions of this reaction have been realized with different approaches in the past. Over the last decade, the area of organocatalysis has made significant progresses. As one of most studied reactions in organocatalyses, organocatalyzed aldol reaction has emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of a large number of useful products in optically enriched forms. In this review, we summarize our efforts on the development of novel organocatalyzed aldol reactions for the enantioselective synthesis of biological active molecules. Literatures closely related to our studies are also covered.

Recent Advances in Organocatalyzed Domino C–C Bond-Forming Reactions

“…The aldol reaction is arguably one of the most researched and versatile C–C bond-forming reactions in all of organic chemistry [ 65 , 66 , 67 ]. Not surprisingly, there are many examples of organocatalyzed aldol reactions, typically catalyzed by proline and its derivatives [ 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Aldol reactions have commonly been incorporated in domino reactions and reviewed somewhat recently [ 71 , 72 ]; therefore, we will focus on reports from this year only.…”

Manganese/Enzyme Sequential Catalytic Pathway for the Production of Optically Active γ-Functionalized Alcohols

“…Among them, the synthesis of γ-functionalized alcohols via the formation of C–C bonds is an appealing method. Specifically, the use of chiral auxiliaries, enzyme catalysts, organocatalysis, or chiral metal catalysts to achieve asymmetric aldol reactions is widely recognized as the most common strategy for the synthesis of chiral γ-functionalized alcohols (Scheme A). Several noteworthy methods for C–O bond formation based on functional group-oriented strategies have been reported as well (Scheme B).…”