Catalytic enantioselective synthesis via axial chirality transfer of transient atropisomers

Abstract

Atropisomers have attracted growing interest in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Nevertheless, transient atropisomeric intermediates are often overlooked in catalytic asymmetric synthesis, and the chirality transfer processes mediated by these species have thus not been systematically explored or thoroughly studied. The catalytic enantioselective synthesis via a transient axial chirality transfer strategy effectively overcomes the reliance of traditional methods on pre-synthesized chiral substrates. By virtue of the precise stereinduction by chiral catalysts to generate transient axial chirality relays, it enables the efficient conversion of racemic or prochiral precursors into chiral functional molecules. This review focuses on metal-catalyzed enantioselective reaction pathways for the transfer of transient atropisomer axial chirality to central chirality and/or axial chirality. Through a systematic overview of the latest advances, current challenges, and future perspectives, this review is intended to offer comprehensive guidance and fresh perspectives for researchers in related fields, and to foster the development and application of novel chirality transfer strategies in asymmetric catalysis.