A histidine-catalyzed asymmetric direct cross-aldol reaction of enolizable aldehydes is described. In contrast to proline, histidine is able to clearly differentiate the reactivity of various aldehydes. In addition, this approach provides access to syn-configured beta-hydroxyaldehydes. Thus, by application of this new methodology, defined-configuration quaternary stereocenters can be constructed with ease. The utility of this method is demonstrated in several total syntheses of branched-chain carbohydrates.
