Chemzymes: a new class of structurally rigid tricyclic amphibian organocatalyst inspired by natural product.

A new class of structurally rigid tricyclic amphibian chiral catalyst was rationally designed based on the hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole skeleton as a new type of chemzyme. This new type of chemzyme possesses a structurally rigid tricyclic skeleton and a chiral pocket which provides a well-organized chiral environment for asymmetric induction, as well as a hydrophobic pocket to enable organocatalytic reactions to proceed smoothly both in organic solvents and in water.