Induced-Fit Chiral N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands for Asymmetric Catalysis

Abstract

Asymmetric transition-metal catalysis stands as a cornerstone in the construction of molecules with stereogenic centers, profoundly impacting modern organic synthesis. Over the past decades, catalytic asymmetric synthesis has witnessed remarkable advancements, largely driven by the development of sophisticated chiral ligands. While chiral phosphorus ligands have experienced rapid growth and widespread application, chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands remain underexplored, primarily due to the inherent challenges in designing and synthesizing suitable chiral frameworks. Given the unique topology and modular steric environment of NHCs, the development of novel NHC ligands holds significant promise.