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 facilitates asymmetric catalysis; an illustration is the use of proline in aldol reactions, which demonstrates chirality and green chemistry. Organic chemists David MacMillan and Benjamin List were awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work on asymmetric organocatalysis.