Supramolecular assembly of proline amphiphiles on carbon nanotubes as heterogenized catalyst for enantioselective aldol reactions in water

Abstract

A proline analog was assembled at the surface of carbon nanotubes and valorized as heterogenized catalyst in asymmetric aldol reactions. As opposed to previously described heterogenized proline catalysts that perform poorly in fully aqueous medium, the process is efficient, enantioselective and sustainable (pure water as solvent). It operates with low catalyst loadings (5 mol%), and the catalyst can be recycled and reused with no loss in overall performances. Aldol products were obtained in yields up to 99 % and enantiomeric excesses up to 98 %.