From negative result to a highly stereoselective organocatalyst

Abstract

Organocatalysis has become a well-stablished and powerful synthetic tool. The aim of this minireview is to describe one of the essential discoveries for the progress of the field in the “gold rush” era of aminocatalysis: Jørgensen catalyst. Our discussion makes emphasis on how negative results may change the outcome of a discipline providing new impetus and inspiring exciting new scenarios.