Abstract
The concept of noncovalent organocatalysis by means of networks of cooperative hydrogen bonds (NCHB organocatalysis) has been explored. Arylideneureas were chosen as ideal substrates because of their powerful donor-acceptor properties. We have examined their uncatalyzed, direct Mannich reaction with acetoacetates in comparison with that catalyzed by a number of salan derivatives capable of providing a network of cooperative hydrogen bonds. Catalyst D [(R,R)-N,N'-bis(salicyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine] was found to drive the above direct Mannich reaction in an enantioselective manner, thereby allowing the synthesis of several Biginelli dihydropyrimidinones with high enantioselectivity. DFT calculations (B3LYP-D-PCM/6-31+G*//B3LYP/6-31+G*) revealed that the NCHB organocatalyst lowers the energy barrier of the reaction. The NCHB organocatalysts appear to function as biomimetic catalysts.
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