Chiral Guanidine Catalyzed Enantioselective Reactions

Dasheng Leow and Choon‐Hong Tan Prof.

Chemistry - An Asian Journal, 2009, 4, 488–507. (Invited, Most accessed articles 6/2008–5/2009, Top 20 most cited article in Chem. Asian. J.)

Abstract: Pinches like a crab: The utilization of guanidines as catalysts has been growing at a steady pace. They possess high pKa values and activate through dual hydrogen‐bonding modes of activation. This Focus Review highlights the development of chiral guanidine catalysts in asymmetric organic transformations.

Chiral guanidine catalysts share common characteristics such as high pKa values and dual hydrogen‐bonding modes of activation, and high catalytic activities and enantioselectivities can often be achieved. The utilization of guanidines as catalysts has been growing at a steady pace. In the past few years, it has attracted tremendous attention through several landmark achievements. This article highlights the development of chiral guanidine catalysis in asymmetric synthesis.

Paper download: https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.200800361