Recent advances in intramolecular kinetic resolution reactions

Kinetic resolution is a practical method that affords recovered starting materials and products in high enantiomeric excess from relatively simple racemic starting materials. However, intramolecular kinetic resolution is less reported due to its high reliance on designed substrates and catalysts that must match perfectly compared to intermolecular pathways. In this review, achievements in intramolecular kinetic resolution have been summarized and systematically discussed. The current review is divided into five sections based on different reaction types, mainly including cyclization, elimination, isomerization, rearrangement and miscellaneous reactions. The aim of this review article is to highlight the importance and elegance of this specialized resolution pathway in the construction of important and attractive chiral skeletons.