Peptides as asymmetric catalysts for Aldol reactions

The article summarizes our research devoted to the development of peptidic catalysts for aldol reactions. Using the combinatorial method of 'catalyst-substrate coimmobilization' the peptides H-Pro-Pro-Asp-NH2 and H-Pro-D-Ala-D-Asp-NH2 were identified as highly active and selective catalysts for direct aldol reactions. The results demonstrate that the higher complexity of peptides in comparison to rigid small organocatalysts can be a good trade-off for higher activity.