Trost Desymmetrization

Abstract Desymmetrization means to remove a symmetric element from the substrate and it may take place in the presence of an enzyme or a nonenzymatic catalyst. Among the known nonenzymatic desymmetrization processes, the most common one is the palladium‐catalyzed desymmetrization of meso ‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diols. Overall, the desymmetrization of meso ‐compounds is getting popular because it can offer asymmetric synthons of high value via a limited number of steps. Many desymmtrization protocols have been summarized. This type of transformation has wide application in organic synthesis.