Synthesis and Catalytic Activities of 3-Decyl-ß-proline for Michael Reactions in Water without an Organic Solvent.

3-Decyl-ß-proline, which has a highly lipophilic substituent, was synthesized, and its catalytic activities in Michael addition using water as the solvent were investigated. The decyl substituent promoted the reaction by hydrophobic interactions to afford the Michael adduct in a high yield and with high diastereoselectivity under low catalyst loading.