Rapid Identification of Enamine‐based Organocatalysts for Quaternary Carbon‐containing Aldol Reactions Via Fluorescence‐based Screening

Fluorescent sensors can directly monitor the progression of chemical transformations through increases in fluorescence intensity to allow rapid identification of superior organocatalytic systems. Based on data from more than 4,000 screenings, a combination of pyrrolidine and isophthalic acid was identified as a catalyst template for the quaternary carbon-containing aldol reaction. Following fine-tuning of the catalyst template, 5-hydroxy isophthalic acid was confirmed as an additive with high reactivity.