Recent Progress in the Chemically Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyanohydrins

The catalytic enantioselective cyanation of aldehydes and ketones has received growing attention because the resulting enantiomerically pure cyanohydrins are versatile building blocks for many biologically active compounds. To date, both metal-based and organic catalysts have been successfully developed to promote these reactions enantioselectively. Great advances have been made in the catalytic enantioselective addition of various cyanide sources to carbonyl compounds. In this microreview, recent progress, including substrate scope and limitations, and probable reaction mechanisms are discussed. In addition, the application of this methodology to the synthesis of natural products is also presented briefly where appropriate.