The Development of Aldehyde Catalytic System

Abstract

Aldehyde catalysts have proven to be highly effective in facilitating and accelerating a wide range of challenging transformations in organic chemistry. This article is structured into three main sections, focusing on the utilization of aldehydes as organocatalysts, the aldehydes/transition metals catalytic systems, and photochemical initiators. Finally, we provide a concise summary of the advancements in this fascinating research field, offering our perspectives and insights.

Chiral Aldehyde Catalysis-Enabled Asymmetric α-Functionalization of Activated Primary Amines

“…Carbonyl compounds typically serve as reagents in organic synthesis. However, they can also be used as catalysts, relying on different activation modes. − Before we stepped into this promising research field, there were already a few successful examples of asymmetric catalysis by utilizing chiral carbonyl compounds as catalysts. − A pioneering example was the chiral ketone-catalyzed epoxidation of alkenes by forming a chiral dioxirane reagent in situ (Figure a). , Another successful example was documented by Beauchemin et al They reported the chiral aldehyde-catalyzed Cope-type hydroamination of allylic amines, where the chiral aldehydes acted as a catalytic temporary tether (Figure b). − Moreover, Zhao et al reported chiral pyridoxals as catalysts to mimic biological transamination (Figure c, upper) …”