The bioinspired design of a reagent allows the functionalization of Cα-H of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via the Baylis-Hillman chemistry under ambient conditions

A rationally designed reagent capable of affecting alkylation at C-alpha of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is reported. The reaction proceeded at room temperature without any additives. The pH and H-bond formation during the reaction play a key role in the working of the reagent.