Transition Metal-Mediated Kinetic Resolution

The number of asymmetric transformations catalyzed by chiral transition metal complexes is growing exponentially. With this growth, application to kinetic resolution processes is also blossoming. These include metal salen complexes for epoxide opening, reductions, and recent examples of Sharpless oxidation methods. Great strides have been made in Zr-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formations and Mo-catalyzed olefin metathesis. New Fe-based nucleophilic catalysts allow for the resolution of a wide range of secondary alcohols. Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution has most recently appeared on the scene with outstanding levels of efficiency for kinetic and dynamic kinetic resolution. This review presents an overview of new developments in transition metal-mediated kinetic resolution from the last two years.