Asymmetric transformations from sulfoxonium ylides

Sulfoxonium ylides are important surrogates for diazo compounds, and their use in industry as safer alternatives has been evaluated during recent years. Beyond the known classical transformations, these ylides have also been used in a surprising plethora of novel and intrinsic chemical reactions, especially in recent years. Bench stability and handling are also an advantage of this class of organosulfur molecules. Despite this, efficient asymmetric transformations, specifically catalytic enantioselective versions, have only recently been reported, and there are specific reasons for this. This perspective article covers this topic from the first studies up to the latest advances, giving personal perspectives and showing the main challenges in this area in the coming years.

Automated summary

Sulfoxonium ylides are important surrogates for diazo compounds, known for their bench stability and handling advantages. While they have been used in a variety of novel chemical reactions in recent years, efficient asymmetric transformations, specifically catalytic enantioselective versions, have only recently been reported, highlighting existing challenges in this area.