Natural products organocatalysis

The preparation of stereochemically-enriched compounds by asymmetric acyl transfer using chiral nucleophihc catalysts has received significant attention in recent years [1-8]. One of the most synthetically useful and probably the most studied acyl transfer reaction to date is the kinetic resolution (KR) of ec-alcohols, a class of molecules which are important building blocks for the synthesis of a plethora of natural products, chiral ligands, auxiliaries, catalysts and biologically active compounds. This research area has been in the forefront of the contemporary organocatalysis renaissance [9, 10], and has resulted in a number of attractive and practical KR protocols. 

We have shown organocatalysis to be a powerful tool for the synthesis of drugs and natural products. Our work and that of others have clearly demonstrated that organocatalytic strategies can cut down the total number of synthetic operations. As organocatalysts are usually non-toxic, air- and moisture-stable and often available from renewable sources, they are destined to have an impact on the development of future sustainable chemical processes. 

Mahrwald R (2004) Modem aldol reactions, vol. 1. Enolates, organocatalysis, biocatalysis and natural product synthesis. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 335 pp... 

Organocatalyzed asymmetric Mannich reactions 13ARK(1)264. Phosphine organocatalysis in the synthesis of natural products and bioactive compounds 13CAC1055. 

Waser M (2012) Asymmetric organocatalysis in natural product syntheses. Springer, Heidelberg... 

Since this chapter was first opened systematically 10 years ago, a plethora of methods and catalysts have been developed to solve problems of organic chemistry. More and more these methodologies have been applied in total syntheses of natural products. This is what this two-volume book set wants to demonstrate - the full power of organocatalysis. 

In addition, we have also included chapters that are related to the type of process as organocatalysis, enantio- and diastereoselective reactions, and multicomponent reactions as well as domino processes under microwave irradiation, high pressure, and in water. Finally, two chapters that are more product oriented have been included on the synthesis of compound collections and the synthesis of natural products and analogs. 

The asymmetric Mannich reaction has been widely studied, particularly in organocatalysis, with the MaeMillan eatalyst employed in the synthesis of various natural products. Koley and coworkers have described the synthesis of hydrojylactams sueh as ( )-epilupinine using an asymmetric... 

In this chapter, we want to draw the attention of readers to the field of organo-catalytic reactions, which have an important role in the asymmetric total syntheses of complex natural products and pharmaceutically relevant entities. This chapter mainly covers the recent (2001-2011) applications of organocatalysis as a key step in the stereoselective synthesis of target natural products and known compounds of biological and pharmaceutical relevance. 

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