CHAPTER 11. Noncovalent Interactions in the Nitroaldol (Henry) Reaction

Abstract

The Henry (nitroaldol) reaction provides a useful method for C–C bond formation between a nitroalkane and an aldehyde or a ketone to form a β-nitro alcohol. Noncovalent interactions can play important roles in this reaction, namely by orienting the reactant molecules, lowering the reaction barriers or even building suitable supramolecular catalysts. This chapter considers the influence of noncovalent interactions (mainly H-bonding) in the Henry reaction (excluding the aza-Henry reaction) and the product selectivity including diastereoselectivity (anti or syn) and enantioselectivity.