Direct asymmetric aldol reactions catalyzed by a siloxy serine organocatalyst in water

A siloxy-L-serine organocatalyst has been developed to catalyze direct asymmetric aldol reactions in the presence of water, furnishing the beta-hydroxy carbonyl scaffold in high enantio- and diastereoselectivities. The direct aldol reaction between a selection of aromatic aldehydes and cyclohexanone resulted in good yields and high enantioselectivities. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.