Catalytic asymmetric tandem transformations triggered by conjugate additions

Abstract

The development of efficient methods to access complex molecules with multistereogenic centers has been a substantial challenge in both academic research and industrial applications. One approach to this challenge is catalytic asymmetric tandem transformations, which allow a rapid increase in molecular complexity from readily available starting materials to produce enantiopure compounds. In recent years, considerable efforts have been directed towards the development of asymmetric tandem transformations. This Minireview highlights recent developments and the applications of metal-catalyzed and organocatalytic asymmetric tandem transformations triggered by conjugate additions. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.