Pd‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic C—H Functionalization

Comprehensive Summary Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic C—H functionalization has emerged as a powerful tool to access chiral, densely functionalized molecules from easily accessible alkenes, enabling the increase of the step‐ or atom‐economy by minimizing functional group manipulations for preparing allylating reagents. Due to the inadequacy of stereoselection strategies, the asymmetric allylic C—H functionalization is still in the early stage. In this essay, we will describe our journey to identification of asymmetric catalytic systems, mechanism of allylic C—H activation, control of stereo‐ and regioselectivity, and applications in asymmetric synthesis. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? The establishment of asymmetric organo/transition‐metal cooperative catalysis to enable enantioselective reactions. How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? We initially attempted to expand the chiral enamine/Pd cooperative catalysis to create asymmetric allylic C—H alkylation of α‐olefins. Although this idea turned out to be unsuccessful, we finally accomplished an asymmetric allylic C—H alkylation of allylarenes enabled by cooperative catalysis of achiral amine, chiral phosphoric acid and palladium, marking a starting point to deeply get involved in this field. How do you supervise your students? I am basically strict with students in regulation and technique, but respect them very much. They are always my co‐workers and have equal authority in chemistry if they like. What is the most important personality for scientific research? Hardworking and critical thinking always pay off. What are your hobbies? What's your favorite book(s)? I have ever enjoyed learning martial arts and playing basketball, but now enjoy reading history books. Who influences you mostly in your life? So many people influence me so much in my life, it's really hard to say who mostly does. I heard the story of Hua Loo‐Keng (Hua Luo‐Geng), an eminent mathematician, in my childhood and his legend always motivates me to keep working hard. What is your favorite journal(s)? So many journals I keep reading every day, if I have to say, J. Am. Chem. Soc. may be my favorite, because it publishes, so far, my most representative work. Of course, Chin. J. Chem. is among the favorite journals. Could you please give us some advices on improving Chinese Journal of Chemistry? Keep disseminating the journal in international community and improve the diversity in authorship and contents to make it really international.