Progress in the Synthesis and Application of Oxazoline Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

Abstract Oxazoline derivatives serve as ligands for asymmetric catalysts. These ligands can be coordinated to various transition metals, enabling the catalysis of different asymmetric synthesis reactions. In recent years, numerous structurally novel oxazoline ligands have been synthesized under diverse reaction conditions and applied to different asymmetric syntheses. These studies have reported improved product yields, high enantioselectivities (ee %, d.r.), a wide range of substrates, and tolerance of functional groups. Furthermore, the general characteristics of these ligands in asymmetric reactions have been continuously elucidated through subsequent studies on different reaction mechanisms, thus contributing significantly to the development of asymmetric catalysis theory. This paper focuses on cyclization, coupling, alkylation reactions and so on, summarizing representative research programmes. It outlines the current status and key findings of oxazoline ligand applications in asymmetric catalytic reactions over the past five years, highlighting changes in yields and enantioselectivities (ee %, d.r.). This review provides valuable references for the design and synthesis of new ligands and their application in asymmetric catalysis.