Organocatalytic Asymmetric Assembly Reactions:  One-Pot Synthesis of Functionalized β-Amino Alcohols from Aldehydes, Ketones, and Azodicarboxylates

l-Proline catalyzed the enzyme-like direct asymmetric assembly of aldehydes, ketones, and azodicarboxylic acid esters to provide optically active β-amino alcohols. This assembly reaction uses both aldehydes and ketones as donors in one pot. The aldol-derived stereocenter is formed with a reduced facial selectivity in reactions involving (R)-amino aldehydes. The reactions can be performed on a multigram scale under operationally simple and safe conditions without the requirement of an inert atmosphere or dry solvents.