Asymmetric catalysis of intramolecular N–H insertion reactions of α-diazocarbonyls

Intramolecular N–H insertion reactions of α-diazocarbonyl substrates are catalysed by rhodium(II) carboxylates with catalyst-dependent competition with C–H insertion and β-elimination; asymmetric N–H insertion leading to a pipecolic acid derivative with ee up to 45% is achieved using chiral catalysts.