Asymmetric catalytic anhydride openings via carbon-based nucleophiles

The asymmetric desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides via the addition of carbon-based nucleophiles has been the focus of considerable levels of interest because it leads to optically active products. Over the past 20 years, a variety of different catalytic asymmetric alkylation reactions have been developed for the desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides using different metal reagents as nucleophiles and using chiral ligands. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of significant developments in this field.

Graphical abstractThe asymmetric opening of anhydrides with carbon-based nucleophiles has been extensively investigated due to its great potential in the asymmetric synthesis of important chiral intermediates and natural products. This review summarizes the desymmetrizations of anhydrides via carbon-based nucleophiles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide