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).