Dipeptide-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reactions in the presence of water

The L-proline-based dipeptide has been discovered and developed as an efficient catalyst for the direct asymmetric aldol reactions of unmodified ketones with various aldehydes including aromatic, aliphatic, heteroaromatic, and unsaturated aldehydes in the presence of water at 0 degrees C. The resulted methodology and optimal conditions led to the corresponding aldol products with high yields (up to 94%) and good enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.