Evolution of asymmetric organocatalysis: multi- and retrocatalysis

Abstract

The evolution of organocatalysis led to various valuable approaches, such as multicomponent as well as domino and tandem reactions. Recently, organomulticatalysis, i.e., the modular combination of distinct organocatalysts enabling consecutive reactions to be performed in one pot, has become a powerful tool in organic synthesis. It allows the construction of complex molecules from simple and readily available starting materials, thereby maximizing reaction efficiency and sustainability. A logical extension of conventional multicatalysis is a multicatalyst, i.e., a catalyst backbone equipped with independent, orthogonally reactive catalytic moieties. Herein we highlight the impressive advantages of asymmetric organomulticatalysis, examine its development, and present detailed reactions based on the catalyst classes employed, ranging from the very beginnings to the latest multicatalyst systems.