Frozen Solution-Mediated Asymmetric Synthesis: Control of Enantiomeric Excess.

Asymmetric List-Mannich reactions were carried out in the frozen state to afford optically active adducts in moderate-to-good chemical yields and enantiomeric excesses (ee). The frozen solution exerts critical control of ee entropy changes, in sharp contrast to the enthalpy-driven asymmetric reactions typically observed in homogeneous solvents. This study provides new perspectives for asymmetric syntheses and an attractive alternative to conventional media.