Triggering activity of catalytic rod-like supramolecular polymers

Supramolecular polymers based on benzene-1,3,5- tricarboxamides (BTAs) functionalized with an L- or D-proline moiety display high catalytic activity towards aldol reactions in water. High turnover frequencies (TOF) of up to 27 × 10^-4 s^-1 and excellent stereoselectivities (up to 96% de, up to 99% ee) were observed. In addition, the catalyst could be reused and remained active at catalyst loadings and substrate concentrations as low as 0.1 mol% and 50 mm, respectively. A temperature-induced conformational change in the supramolecular polymer triggers the high activity of the catalyst. The supramolecular polymer's helical sense in combination with the configuration of the proline (L- or D) is responsible for the observed selectivity.