Asymmetric Hydrovinylation: New Perspectives through Use of Modular Ligand Systems

At last the possibility of tailored catalyst design: Advances in the asymmetric hydrovinylation of olefins had not been made for a long time despite much effort, such that the interest in the reaction had dwindled. Recently, however, Leitner's and RajanBabu's research groups developed highly efficient, modular catalytic systems for this reaction (see scheme); thus, the prerequisite for further developments of this elegant reaction have finally been fulfilled.