Recent Progress in the Asymmetric Intermolecular Halogenation of Alkenes

As a long-standing problem in organic chemistry, and a very useful transformation in organic synthesis, the catalytic asymmetric halogenation of alkenes has only recently been reported. New catalysts and novel approaches have been developed for asymmetric halocyclizations. Although mechanism studies indicated the asymmetric intermolecular halogenation of alkenes is more difficult, important breakthroughs have also been achieved. In this review article, the scope, mechanism, and limitations of recently developed catalytic asymmetric intermolecular halogenation of alkenes are described.