Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters through Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Enantioselective Functionalization of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Abstract Acyclic quaternary carbon stereocenters occur frequently in natural products, bioactive molecules, and pharmaceutical compounds. Construction of a carbon stereogenic center attached to four different carbons with defined spatial arrangement is a daunting challenge in asymmetric catalysis. Significant efforts have been directed towards the stereoselective construction of such acyclic quaternary carbon stereocenters. In particular, catalytic generation of acyclic quaternary carbon stereocenters through functionalization of unsaturated hydrocarbons is an extremely attractive approach because unsaturated hydrocarbons are easily accessible both in industry and in organic synthesis. In this short review, we summarize the recent advances achieved in this research area, with the aim to inspire future development. 1 Introduction 2 Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters through Functionalization of Allenes 3 Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters through Functionalization of Dienes 4 Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters through Functionalization of Mono-alkenes 5 Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters through Functionalization of Alkynes 6 Summary and Outlook