Synthesis of a new chiral organocatalyst derived from (S)-proline containing a 1,2,4-triazolyl moiety and its application in the asymmetric aldol reaction. Importance of one molecule of water generated in situ

Abstract

A simple and efficient preparation of a novel chiral derivative of (S)-proline containing a 1,2,4-triazolyl moiety is described. The high-yielding synthetic protocol includes the use of microwave irradiation to afford new chiral pyrrolidine derivatives in high yield. Our triazolyl-containing heterocycle was evaluated as organocatalyst (10 mol% load, under neat reaction conditions) in the enantioselective aldol reaction between four different types of ketones and a variety of aryl aldehydes. Good results in terms of enantioselectivity and chemical yield were observed under solvent-free reaction conditions and in the absence of any additive. Evidence is provided for the involvement of the water molecule generated upon enamine formation in the transition state of the aldol reaction.