Functionalized vinyldiazo compounds: New players in asymmetric catalysis

In this issue of Chem Catalysis, Doyle et al. prepare functionalized vinyldiazoacetates through base-promoted ring opening of 5-alkyl-1,2,3,triazine-1-oxides. These diazo compounds engage in several metal-catalyzed enantioselective transformations. The high degree of functionalization of the products and the excellent enantiocontrol position these new diazo compounds as promising reagents in asymmetric catalysis.