Catalytic insertion of nitrenes into B–H bonds produces unique compounds with chiral boron atoms.
The three-component reaction of the diazo compound, azide and allylboronate for preparation of homoallylic amine derivatives was explored, and Rh2(esp)2 was utilized as the optimal catalyst.
Dirhodium-catalyzed transformations, not limited to carbene and nitrene transfer reactions, are reviewed, including cycloisomerization, hetero-Diels–Alder (HDA) reactions, ene reactions, arylation, radical oxidation reactions and C–H activation, etc.
Dirhodium tetracarboxylate complexes catalyze a number of useful carbenoid transformations including cyclopropanation and C–H functionalization.
This review discusses the varied catalyst design strategies that have been applied to asymmetric C−N bond formation using metal nitrenoids. The outstanding challenges are also identified with the aim of encouraging further investigation in the field.