Chiral Carboxylic Acids as Organic Catalysts for Asymmetric Reactions

Abstract Carboxyl groups are frequently found in both natural products with proven bioactivities and small functional molecules with significant synthetic applications. Carboxylic acids are therefore one class of the most critical and easily accessible catalysts in organic synthesis. Herein, a brief overview of chiral carboxylic acid‐catalyzed asymmetric reactions is provided. Typical reactions and mechanisms are systematically discussed. We also provide our own perspectives on the future development within this research field based on our comprehensive understanding of the carboxylic acid‐promoted organocatalytic reactions.