Alpha,alpha-diarylprolinol ethers: new tools for functionalization of carbonyl compounds

Direct enantioselective organocatalytic hydroxymethylation of aldehydes catalyzed by alpha,alpha-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether

The direct enantioselective hydroxymethylation of aldehydes utilizing alpha,alpha-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether as an organocatalyst is described. The intermediate alpha-substituted beta-hydroxyaldehydes were not isolated but converted to the more readily isolable derivatives. For example, the derived hydroxy acids were isolated in up to 94% yield with excellent enantioselectivity.

Amino acid salt catalyzed intramolecular Robinson annulation

The silica gel absorbed amino acid salt catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Robinson annulation reaction has been developed; up to 97% ee was obtained with this readily recoverable organocatalyst.

Asymmetric aldol reaction of acetaldehyde and isatin derivatives for the total syntheses of ent-convolutamydine E and CPC-1 and a half fragment of madindoline A and B

The asymmetric aldol reaction of isatin derivatives and acetaldehyde has been developed using 4-hydroxydiarylprolinol as a catalyst, affording the aldol products with high enantioselectivity, these products being key intermediates in the synthesis of 3-hydroxyindole alkaloids. Short syntheses of ent-convolutamydine E and CPC-1 and a half fragment of madindoline A and B have been accomplished.

High-yielding synthesis of the anti-influenza neuramidase inhibitor (-)-oseltamivir by three "one-pot" operations

Taking shortcuts: A remarkably short and high-yielding asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-oseltamivir takes advantage of organocatalysis and single-pot domino operations. The target, known as the drug Tamiflu, is prepared efficiently in a short time, and also its derivatives can be synthesized effectively.