Organocatalytic enantioselective multicomponent reactions (OEMCRs)

The achieved level of expertise in organocatalytic processes has allowed synthetic chemists to apply this useful synthetic strategy to enantioselective multicomponent reactions. Although, this new methodology is still in its infancy, the reported results show the possibilities and versatility of this type of reaction, with an extraordinary level of atom efficiency being reached. All examples, from classical Mannich, Biginelli, Michael, and Diels-Alder reactions to new amination-reduction and Tietze reactions, allow the synthesis of complex chiral molecules with several stereogenic elements created in just one process. In fact, the organocatalyst acts in this type of process as a clear enzyme mimic, but with an ample substrate scope. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.