Synthesis of atropisomers via transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective carbene transformations

Abstract

Atropisomerism is a prominent stereochemical behavior arising from the restricted rotation around a σ bond, which has been recognized as a unique skeleton in bioactive natural products, privileged ligands and catalysts, and materials science. In the past decade, the synthesis of atropisomers has witnessed a booming development. In this regard, catalytic enantioselective carbene transformation reactions provide an effective strategy to realize the extraordinary stereocontrol of axial chirality due to the versatility and high reactivity of metal carbenes. This review highlights advances in transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric carbene transformation reactions towards atropisomers, focusing on the mechanistic classes of axial chirality generation.