This manuscript is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Keith Fagnou, whose curiosity, enthusiasm, and insights continue to inspire us.
Abstract
A new class of hybrid Lewis acid/Lewis base catalysts has been designed and prepared with an initial objective of promoting stereoselective direct aldol reactions. Several scaffolds were synthesized that contain amine moieties capable of enamine catalysis, connected to heterocyclic metal-chelating sections composed of an oxazole–oxazoline or thiazole–oxazoline. Early screening results have identified oxazole–oxazoline-based systems capable of promoting a highly diastereo- and enantioselective direct aldol reaction of propionaldehyde with 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, when combined with Lewis acids such as zinc triflate.
Key words
hybrid catalysis - aldol reaction - organocatalysis - Lewis acids - oxazoline - asymmetric catalysis