Ultrasonication-Assisted Synthesis of a d-Glucosamine-Based β-CD Inclusion Complex and Its Application as an Aqueous Heterogeneous Organocatalytic System.

For the first time, an inclusion complex has been crafted between a carbohydrate-based molecule and a β-cyclodextrin (CD) hydrophobic cavity for asymmetric catalytic applications. This novel d-glucosamine-based inclusion compound has been synthesized in high yields using an innovative and proficient acoustic cavitation technology and well characterized using various techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and other spectroscopic techniques. It was observed that the inclusion of a d-glucosamine derivative into the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD increased its surface area and thermal stability. This catalytic system worked well in water for the direct aldol reaction to afford the products in excellent yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.