Challenges and Breakthroughs in Z-Enantioselective Olefin Metathesis

Asymmetric Olefin Metathesis (AOM) represents a highly versatile synthetic tool to lead to relevant chiral building blocks with excellent enantiopurity. As the Z-alkene moiety is ubiquitous in a wide range of natural products, the development of catalysts which are able to control both the Z-selectivity and the enantioselectivity of metathesis transformations is in high demands. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview covering all the breakthroughs accomplished in the field of challenging Z-enantioselective olefin metathesis, which is of interest in the total synthesis of complex molecules.

Automated summary

Asymmetric Olefin Metathesis (AOM) is a highly versatile synthetic tool for producing chiral building blocks with excellent enantiopurity. Catalysts that can control both the Z-selectivity and enantioselectivity of metathesis transformations are in high demand due to the ubiquity of Z-alkene moiety in natural products. This review comprehensively covers all the breakthroughs achieved in the challenging field of Z-enantioselective olefin metathesis, which is important in the total synthesis of complex molecules.