Organocatalytic enantioselective methodologies using Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and acetates

Abstract

Lately, the use of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and acetates in organocatalysis has grown exponentially. Since the pioneering work of Kim and coworkers until the last cycloadditions reported by Barbas, a plethora of new methodologies have been developed. The use of these compounds opens a new gate for the synthesis of C–C or C-heteroatom bonds in an enantioselective fashion and under mild conditions giving access to highly functionalized structures. In this review, we aim to cover these exciting reactions, paying special attention on the nature of the MBH adduct.