Catalysis by small organic molecules, as distinguished from catalysis by (transition) metals or enzymes.
Notes: - Frequently used organocatalysts are secondary amines (covalent catalysis by generation of enamines or of iminium ions as reactive intermediates) and thioureas (hydrogen-bonding catalysis).
- Organocatalysts are often employed for enantioselectivity.
- The mechanisms employed by organocatalysts are examples of general acid catalysis, general base catalysis, nucleophilic catalysis, specific acid catalysis, specific base catalysis.
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 353. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 477 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2018-1010)