A theoretical review for novel Lewis base amine/imine-catalyzed reactions

Abstract

Different from the traditional role of a Brønsted base, amines/imines have been widely employed during the past few decades as a Lewis base to activate electrophilic allene, olefin, and carbonyl compounds. Understanding the detailed mechanisms and the origin of chemo- and stereo-selectivities for these types of reactions should be very important and highly desirable. In this minireview, the recent advances and methods for analysis of the origin of the selectivities of novel Lewis base amine/imine-mediated reactions are systematically summarized and reviewed from a theoretical viewpoint. This information provides valuable insights for understanding the general action modes of Lewis base amine/imine catalysts and rational design of more efficient organocatalytic reactions with high stereoselectivity and special chemoselectivity.