Proline is known to catalyze several important organic reactions:
Aldol Reactions: Proline catalyzes the formation of carbon-carbon bonds through Aldol reactions with high enantioselectivity. Mannich Reactions: It also facilitates Mannich reactions, which are crucial for the synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds. Michael Additions: Proline can catalyze Michael additions, which are useful in forming carbon-carbon bonds between α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and nucleophiles. Diels-Alder Reactions: There are instances where proline has been used to catalyze Diels-Alder reactions, albeit less commonly.