A family of novel axially unfixed biaryl-based, water-compatible bifunctional organocatalysts
were designed and synthesized for asymmetric catalytic direct aldol reactions in water.
These organocatalysts are comprised of prolinamide, aromatic sulfonamide and biaryl
motifs. Under the optimal reaction conditions, one organocatalyst in particular delivered
excellent stereocontrol (up to 99% ee and 99:1 dr) in direct aldol reactions of cyclohexanone
with a variety of aromatic aldehydes in water.
Key words
axially unfixed biaryl - water - organocatalysts - aldol reaction - stereoselectivity