Proline-catalysed Mannich reactions of acetaldehyde

More Mannich reactions Traditionally, catalysts for organic chemical reactions have been either enzymes or metal complexes. But small organic molecules, known as organocatalysts, have recently burst on to the scene. Organocatalysts are effective in promoting in a wide range of useful transformations, including a carbon–carbon bond forming process known as the Mannich reaction. But frustratingly, these reactions have always failed when the simplest possible substrate, acetaldehyde, was used. Yang et al. have now filled this gap in the organocatalysis spectrum by establishing effective catalytic conditions for Mannich reactions with acetaldehyde. This greatly expands the chemical 'toolkit' of organic chemists, and will be especially useful for making chiral, biologically active compounds.