Construction of axially chiral compounds via catalytic asymmetric radical reaction

Abstract

The chemistry of axially chiral compounds has emerged as a subject of increasing interest due to their widespread presence in natural products, bioactive molecules, advanced materials, and chiral ligands/catalysts. On the other hand, catalytic asymmetric radical-based transformations provide a complementary platform for the construction of enantiomerically enriched molecules that are in growing demand in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In recent years, considerable research efforts have been devoted to the development of catalytic asymmetric radical reactions for the construction of axially chiral compounds based on the unique reactivity modes of diverse radicals. In this review, we critically illustrate these recent achievements according to different radical precursors and catalytic activation modes. Wherever possible, special emphasis is also placed on the discussion of mechanistic features underlying these works and substrate scopes. This review should be of great interest to the experts in this area, but also serve as a helpful starting point for new researchers in this field.

Keywords

• Axially chiral compounds
• Radical reactions
• Catalytic asymmetric synthesis
• Atropisomers
• Chiral allenes
• Photocatalysis