Bridging Theory and Experiment: A Teaching Project on L-Proline-Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reactions

Asymmetric organocatalysis represents a pivotal yet challenging concept in modern organic chemistry education. To enhance interdisciplinary learning, we designed an integrated instructional project focusing on the L-proline-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction. In the whole schedule, the experimental section includes the synthesis, purification, and testing of the products, while the computational chemistry section involves the computation for the reaction potential energy surface and the energy decomposition analysis (EDA)-based quantification of non-covalent interactions. It cultivates key skills in molecular modeling and data analysis while offering students insights into fundamental organic concepts like stereoselectivity, steric effects, and electronic effects. Implemented as a capstone project in advanced organic chemistry courses, this project effectively introduces theoretical concepts of intermolecular interactions, and provides a practical and easy way for teaching catalytic mechanisms.