Proline-beta(3)-amino-ester dipeptides as efficient catalysts for enantioselective direct aldol reaction in aqueous medium.

Dipeptides obtained from l-proline and beta(3)-l-amino acids are reported to catalyze enantioselective direct aldol reaction in aqueous medium, leading to significant anti:syn diastereomeric ratios and enantiomeric excesses. The simple introduction of a polar substituent at the C-2 position of the beta(3)-l-amino acid was also found to enhance appreciably both diastereo- and enantioselectivity of the catalyst.