Synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity of chiral silver(I) and copper(II) complexes with biaryl-based nitrogen-containing ligands

► A series of chiral Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes have been prepared and structural characterized. ► The rigidity of the ligand plays an important role in the Ag(I) complexes formation and their catalytic activity. ► The chiral Ag(I) complexes are active catalysts for asymmetric allylation reaction, and the chiral Cu(II) complexes are active catalysts for asymmetric Henry reaction (nitroaldol reaction).