α,α-Diarylprolinols: bifunctional organocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis

Abstract

Readily accessible α,α-diarylprolinols have been recently exploited as useful organocatalysts in different asymmetric reactions. It has been proposed that they operate either via bifunctional activation of the reactive partners through non-covalent interactions or via formation of covalent enamine and iminium intermediates. This feature article describes the employment of α,α-diarylprolinols as catalysts in the epoxidation of α,β-enones, aldol reaction, cycloaddition, and carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond forming reactions.