AZT-prolinamide: the nucleoside derived pyrrolidine catalysts for asymmetric aldol reactions using water as solvent

New pyrrolidine catalysts based on a nucleoside and proline, AZT-prolinamides, were synthesized and successfully employed for the enantioselective direct aldol reaction of aldehydes with ketones. These catalysts proved to be effective in promoting the reaction, in additive free water media with 15 mol % loading. The products, β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds were obtained in high yields and stereoselectivities.