Catalytic enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitrones

The rapid developments in the field of catalytic enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitrones which have occurred during the last six years are reported. A series of catalysts has been applied for both the normal electron-demand and inverse electron-demand 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of nitrones with electron-deficient and electron-rich alkenes, respectively. In several cases a high degree of control of both the diastereo- and enantioselectivity has been achieved.