An Achiral‐Acid‐Induced Switch in the Enantioselectivity of a Chiral cis‐Diamine‐Based Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Aldol and Mannich Reactions

Pick and choose: The asymmetric synthesis of two different enantiomeric products has been achieved through the use of a single organocatalyst with or without achiral organic acid additives (see scheme). These additives may assist in altering the substrate orientations at the catalytic center, leading to efficient enantiomeric inversions in both aldol and Mannich products.