When the organocatalyst is chiral an avenue is opened to asymmetric catalysis; for example, the use of proline in aldol reactions is an example of chirality and green chemistry. Organic chemists David MacMillan and Benjamin List were both awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work on asymmetric organocatalysis.
The presence of a chiral organocatalyst enables asymmetric catalysis; an example is the use of proline in aldol reactions, which showcases chirality and green chemistry. Organic chemists David MacMillan and Benjamin List were recognized with the 2021 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their contributions to asymmetric organocatalysis.