Graphical abstract

No abstract

(S)-N-(2-pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine/trifluoroacetic acid (3:1) combination catalyzed the direct addition of alkyl methyl ketones to beta-dimethyl(phenyl)silylmethylene malonate at the methyl terminal with high yield and excellent regio- and enantioselectivity. The silyl group played crucial roles in regioselection and substrate reactivity.

This feature focuses on a reagent chosen by a postgraduate, highlighting the uses and preparation of the reagent in current research (S)-(+)-1-(2-Pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine Compiled by Raghunath Chowdhury Raghunath Chowdhury was born in Jhantipahari, West Bengal, India. He pursued his B.Sc. (honors) (2003) and M.Sc. (2005) in chemistry from the University of Burdwan. He then joined the Training School of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai and in 2006 the Bio-Organic Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.Currently he is working towards his Ph.D. thesis under the supervision of Prof. Sunil K. Ghosh in the same institute. His research interests are focused on the diversity-oriented synthesis of small organic molecules using organocatalysts and sulpher ylides.

The first example of an asymmetric organocatalyzed decarboxylative aldol reaction of β-ketoacids (aroylacetic acids) with α-ketophosphonates that produces a quaternary chiral centre has been developed. A quinidine based bifunctional urea derivative was identified as the preferred catalyst affording γ-aroyl tertiary α-hydroxyphosphonates in good yield and enantioselectivity. The P NMR spectroscopic study was performed to shed light on the reaction mechanism.