Asymmetric Michael addition using sugar derived organocatalysts

Abstract

Sugars are low-molecular-weight carbohydrates which consist of polyhydroxyl and carbonyl (aldehyde or ketone) functional groups. Different types of compounds derived from sugars have been used extensively as powerful and effective catalysts for asymmetric synthesis. They are readily available at a reasonable price, easily prepared, no metal contamination and are inert towards moisture and air. They are highly functionalized and have well defined stereogenic centres. Most of them are employed as chiral ligands in metal based asymmetric catalysis and are used for various asymmetric transformations. Different compounds derived from sugars have also been used recently as organocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis. The present article provides some of the organocatalysts used for asymmetric synthesis.