Organocatalytic Peptide Coacervates as Microreactors for Aqueous Aldol Additions

Abstract

We report a short peptide, PFF-OMe, that self-assembles into coacervate droplets containing a proline-based organocatalyst within their dense phase. The resulting catalyst-bearing coacervates greatly enhance proline-mediated reactions in aqueous environments, offering a minimal and tunable platform for efficient organocatalysis in water. This work demonstrates the potential of self-assembled peptide microreactors as versatile tools for aqueous-phase chemical transformations.