A modular approach to catalyst hydrophobicity for an asymmetric aldol reaction in a biphasic aqueous environment

Abstract

Catalyst 5, an ion pair consisting of a hydrophilic cation and a lipophilic anion, fulfils the solubility requirements needed to couple efficiency (enantioselectivities and anti-diastereoselectivities up to > or = 99%) and catalyst recyclability in asymmetric aldol reactions under aqueous biphasic conditions.