Combined Proline–Surfactant Organocatalyst for the Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Aqueous Direct Cross‐Aldol Reaction of Aldehydes

Abstract

Why not combine the two? The asymmetric direct aldol reaction of two different aldehydes was catalyzed by a combined proline–surfactant organic catalyst in the presence of water. A stable emulsion was formed in the reaction mixture, and the aldols were obtained with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (see scheme). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2006/z601156_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.