Proline organocatalysis (original) (raw)

Proline organocatalysis is the use of proline as an organocatalyst in organic chemistry. This theme is often considered the starting point for the area of organocatalysis, even though early discoveries went unappreciated. Modifications, such as MacMillan’s catalyst and Jorgensen's catalysts, proceed with excellent stereocontrol. Proline catalysis was initially reported by groups at Schering AG and Hoffmann-La Roche. Proline's chiral structure enables enantioselective synthesis, favoring a particular enantiomer or diastereomer.