Recent progress in asymmetric intermolecular C-H activation by rhodium carbenoid intermediates

Intermolecular C-H insertion with rhodium carbenoid intermediates is a very promising method for C-H activation. By using carbenoids derived from vinyl and phenyl diazoacetates, highly selective C-H insertions can be achieved. High asymmetric induction is obtained when dirhodium tetraprolinates (24-27) are used as catalysts. Remarkably, with certain substrates, excellent diastereocontrol is also possible. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.