Prolinamides as Asymmetric Organocatalysts

Abstract

Prolinamides are valuable organocatalysts for enantioselective transformations that occur by activation of the nucleophile by enamine formation. Different substituents can be appended on the nitrogen atom of the carboxamide, which allow for the modulation of the catalytic properties. In that way, the acidity, the hydrogen donor properties, the hydrophobicity, or the chiral environment can be modified, in a few steps, starting from easily available proline.