Direct asymmetric three-component organocatalytic anti-selective Mannich reactions in a purely aqueous system.

The direct three-component Mannich reactions of O-benzyl hydroxyacetone with p-anisidine and aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of an L-threonine-derived catalyst afforded anti-1,2-amino alcohols in good-to-excellent yields and with enantioselectivities of up to 97%. This study is the first demonstration that direct three-component Mannich reactions can be promoted by a primary amino acid in water.