Enantioselective C-H Bond Functionalization Involving Arene Ruthenium(II) Catalysis

The p-Cymene ruthenium(II) complex is one of the most widely used catalysts in C-H activation. However, enantioselective C-H activation promoted by arene ruthenium(II) complexes has not been realized until recently. The revealed strategies include intramolecular nitrene C-H insertion, the use of chiral transient directing groups, chiral carboxylic acid, relay catalysis, and chiral arene ligands. In this minireview, these advances are summarized and discussed in the hope of spurring further developments.

Automated summary

The p-Cymene ruthenium(II) complex is widely used in C-H activation, but enantioselective C-H activation promoted by arene ruthenium(II) complexes has only recently been achieved. Various strategies including nitrene C-H insertion, chiral transient directing groups, chiral carboxylic acid, relay catalysis, and chiral arene ligands are summarized and discussed in this minireview, with the aim of inspiring further developments.