Recent Progress in Nickel and Cobalt Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α ‐Functionalized Olefins

Chiral CX bonds (X = N, P, B, Si, etc.) are widely present in pharmaceutical agents, chiral materials, and other functional compounds, with extensive applications across multiple fields. To date, numerous efficient synthetic methodologies have been developed, among which transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α ‐functionalized olefins has been proven to be a simple and efficient strategy. Historically, this approach relied mainly on noble metals such as Ruthenium, Rhodium, and Iridium. However, earth‐abundant metals especially nickel and cobalt have gained significant attention from chemists in the past decade. Recent advances in nickel and cobalt‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of functionalized olefins have demonstrated unique advantages, enabling efficient construction of chiral CX bonds with high enantioselectivities (ee) and turnover number (TON). This review summarizes and analyzes the key progress in this field to facilitate the design of nickel‐based or cobalt‐based catalytic systems of asymmetric hydrogenation and the development of novel reactions, thereby advancing asymmetric hydrogenation research.