Organocatalytic Enantioselective Conjugate Addition Reactions

Book excerpt: This book, unique in its field, is a comprehensive description of all the methodologies reported for carrying out conjugate addition reactions in a stereoselective way, using small chiral organic molecules as catalysts (organocatalysts). In the last 3-4 years, this has been a rapidly growing field in organic chemistry, and many papers have appeared reporting excellent protocols for carrying out these highly efficient transformations that compete well with other classical approachse using transition metal catalysts. A particularly attractive feature of this transformation relies upon the fact that the conjugate addition (Michael and Hetero-Michael reactions) is an extraoridinarily effective means to initiate cascade processes which result in the formation of complex molecules from very small and simple starting blocks. The book, written by noted experts, covers all recent advances in this not topic, and provides a good state-of-the-art review for organic chemists working in this field and all those who wish to start projects in this area. The Series is intended to provide an accessible reference for postgraduates and industrialists working in the field of catalysis and its applications. Books will be produced either as monographs or reference handbooks. The Series will cover research developments and applications of catalysis, in both academia and industry.