Asymmetric michael reaction catalyzed by mimicked peptides

Abstract

Peptides mimicked from active site of promiscuous aldo-ketoreductase were synthesized and tested as asymmetry catalysts in the Michael adduct reaction of aldehydes or ketones with nitroolefins to furnish the corresponding c-nitroaldehydes, γ-nitroketones with up to 93 % yield, 99:1 dr and 71 % ee at room temperature and on eco-friendly solvents. Aspartic acid residue as second amino acid produced greater enantioselectivity. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013.