A multifunctional proline-based organic catalyst for enantioselective aldol reactions

The synthesis of multifunctional organic catalysts, easily obtained by the condensation of (S)-proline with 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diamine is reported. These C-2 as well as C, symmetric prolinamides were shown to be able to promote the direct aldol condensation between acetone, methoxyacetone or cyclohexanone and different aldehydes in very good yields and high enantio selectivities. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.