摘要：

A novel catalyst for the asymmetric cyanation of imines, the Strecker reaction, is discovered using combinatorial methods. The optimized structure consists of a substituted urea derivative bearing )-stereoisomer of the imine substrate. The active site of the catalyst is shown to be the urea moiety, with imine coordination taking place through a novel dual hydrogen bonding interaction. This structural model serves as the basis for further rational optimization of the catalyst for the Strecker reaction, and for the application of this catalyst system to other asymmetric transformations of imines.

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