Chiral amine organocatalysts for the syn-aldol reaction involving substituted benzaldehydes and hydroxyacetone

A new series of cyclohexanediamine organocatalysts that contain the primary amine functionality has been designed, synthesized and tested as catalysts for the asymmetric aldol reaction involving hydroxyacetone and a variety of substituted benzaldehydes. High enantioselectivites and diasteroselectivites were obtained using catalyst la for these reactions. A key step in this reaction for the formation of the syn-product is the formation of a stable intramolecular hydrogen bonded Z-enamine isomer, which in addition to the steric bulk of the catalyst, serve to dictate the course of the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.