Catalytic enantioselective carbon-carbon bond formation using cycloisomerization reactions

This review describes important recent advancements in asymmetric cycloisomerization reactions. A wide variety of catalytic and asymmetric strategies have been applied to these reactions over the past twenty years. Cycloisomerization reactions have the ability to produce diverse polycyclic compounds in excellent yields and selectivity. They constitute a powerful and efficient strategy for asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formation in cyclic compounds. Enyne and related olefin cyclizations comprise the majority of reactions of this type and important advances have recently occurred in this area. However, significant changes have also occurred in the area of classical cyclization as well as intramolecular hydroacylation and C-H activation initiated cyclization and these will also be described. We present a review highlighting advancements in the field of asymmetric cycloisomerization reactions which, due to significant improvements occurring in the last twenty years, efficiently produce diverse polycyclic compounds with excellent selectivity.