Asymmetric Michael addition of boronic acids to a γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde catalyzed by resin-supported peptide.

A resin-supported peptide catalyst effective for the asymmetric Michael addition of boronic acids to (E)-4-hydroxybut-2-enal was developed. From a spectral study, it was revealed that the optimum peptide consisted of both a β-turn and helix. Such a combination of secondary structures was essential for achieving a high catalytic ability.