Iron bis(oxazoline) complexes in asymmetric catalysis

Abstract

Asymmetric reactions catalyzed by iron complexes have attracted considerable attention because iron is a ubiquitous, inexpensive, and environmentally benign metal. Various chiral iron complexes can be prepared from bis(oxazoline) ligands and be used in asymmetric reactions. This overview charts the development and application of chiral iron bis(oxazoline) and pyridine-2,6-bis(oxazoline) catalysts through their most prominent and innovative uses in asymmetric catalysis, especially in Lewis acid and oxidation catalysis.