**Abstract**

Chemistry is not a stagnant scientific discipline; on the contrary, chemistry is a continuously advancing activity. Indeed, the XXI century is registering the emergence of several highly relevant new chemical developments that are already having an impact in the way both academic institutions and chemical enterprise are working. Two innovative concepts are particularly relevant, (1) asymmetric organocatalysis and (2) green chemistry. Indeed, the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was bestowed on German chemist Benjamin List and Scottish chemist David MacMillan for their demonstration that small organic molecules such as chiral amino acids and heterocycles are capable to catalyze the enantioselective formation of carbon-carbon bonds in the absence of potentially toxic transition metals. The other field that is presently most appreciated is that of the so-called green chemistry, which concerns the elimination of chemical substances and procedures that could be harmful to animals, humans and/or the environment. Former Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Ryōji Noyori has stated that the survival of humankind depends on the ability of chemists to master the principles of green chemistry. In this regard, during the past 15 years the author's own research has contributed to the development of more sustainable asymmetric organocatalysis.

**Keywords:** asymmetric organocatalysis, green chemistry, sustainable chemistry, (*S*)-Proline, stereoselective reactions
