Peptides as Asymmetric Catalysts for Aldol Reactions

Abstract

The article summarizes our research devoted to the development of peptidic catalysts for aldol reactions. Using the combinatorial method of 'catalyst–substrate coimmobilization' the peptides H-Pro-Pro-Asp-NH2 and H-Pro-D-Ala-D-Asp-NH2 were identified as highly active and selective catalysts for direct aldol reactions. The results demonstrate that the higher complexity of peptides in comparison to rigid small organocatalysts can be a good trade-off for higher activity.

Keywords

• Aldol reaction
• Asymmetric catalysis
• Combinatorial chemistry
• Peptides