Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Axially Chiral Amides

Axially chiral amides are key structural motifs in chiral ligands, functional materials, natural products, and bioactive molecules. Their catalytic asymmetric synthesis has attracted considerable attention from organic and medicinal chemists. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the asymmetric catalytic construction of C─N, N─N, and C─C axially chiral amides, covering the period from 2015 to 2026. The synthetic strategies can be broadly classified into three categories: (1) desymmetrization of prochiral amides; (2) dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic axially chiral amides; and (3) atroposelective formation of the amide moiety. Emphasis is placed on the development of asymmetric catalytic systems and the key factors governing enantioselectivity. Challenges in the field and future directions are also discussed.