Aerogel microspheres of chitosan, an abundant biopolymer obtained from marine crustaceans, have been successfully applied to catalyze the asymmetric aldol reaction in water, providing the products in high yields and with good stereoselectivity (up to 93% ee) and recyclability (up to 4 runs). Yields were favourably affected by additives such as DNP and stearic acid.
Alfredo Ricci, Françoise Quignard et. al., have published their findings in Chemical Communications. Why not read the article today, which is free to access until the 17th September (2010).
