Asymmetric Processes Catalyzed by Chiral (Salen)Metal Complexes

Abstract

A wide variety of highly selective asymmetric reactions catalyzed by chiral (salen)metal complexes have been disclosed over the past decade. Salen ligands are among the most synthetically accessible frameworks for asymmetric catalysts, and their structures are readily tuned both sterically and electronically. However, one particular chiral salen ligand (1) has been demonstrated to be highly effective for a wide variety of useful asymmetric transformations catalyzed by different metals. The simplicity of this ligand, the high enantioselectivities and broad substrate generality often observed, and the synthetic utility of the catalytic transformations have inspired substantial effort directed toward the commercial development of asymmetric salen chemistry. This chapter surveys the resulting progress.