Abstract
Enamines are key intermediates in both organic chemistry and enzyme catalysis. We have developed designer proteins and small peptides that catalyze aldol, retro-aldol, and Michael reactions, in which catalyst molecules form enamines from aldehydes and ketones in situ. We have also developed small amine- and amino acid-catalyzed enamine-based bond-forming reactions that can be performed under mild conditions. In this review, I summarize our strategies for the development of designer catalysts and catalyzed reactions that use enamines as key intermediates.
