Recent Advances in Asymmetric C-H Bond Functionalization Enabled by Chiral Directing Groups

Abstract

The asymmetric activation and functionalization of inert C-H bonds represent a central challenge in modern organic synthetic chemistry. Transition-metal-catalyzed strategies have emerged as pivotal solutions for the efficient construction of chiral molecules by precisely regulating reactivity and selectivity. In contrast to traditional approaches that rely on chiral ligands or metal complexes to control enantioselectivity, a novel strategy involving the introduction of chiral auxiliaries as chiral directing groups (CDGs) into substrates has demonstrated unique advantages in the control of regioselectivity and enantioselectivity. This is achieved through the synergistic effects of coordination directed activation and stereochemical environment induction. This review systematically summarizes the chiral directing groups employed in transition-metal-catalysed asymmetric C-H bond activation and functionalization reactions since 2005, outlines their roles in catalytic systems, and provides brief descriptions of selected reaction mechanisms.