Catalytic asymmetric reaction of isoxazoles and benzisoxazoles

Isoxazoles and their derivatives have been verified to be versatile building blocks and crucial intermediates for the synthesis of a range of useful N-containing molecules, especially valuable N-heterocycles. However, the catalytic asymmetric reaction of isoxazole derivatives has been rarely explored, and there is no systematic summary to date. In this perspective, we summarize the recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric reaction of isoxazoles and benzisoxazoles according to different types of reactions: (1) transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric ring contraction of isoxazoles, (2) copper-catalyzed asymmetric hydroamination of alkenes and alkynes with benzisoxazoles, and (3) transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric formal annulations of isoxazoles and benzisoxazoles. Finally, we propose the remaining challenges and opportunities for future breakthroughs in this area.