Title:N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) in Asymmetric Organocatalysis
VOLUME: 1 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Seema Dwivedi, Sumanta Gupta and Sajal Das
Affiliation:Department of Chemistry, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling 734 013, India.
Keywords:Asymmetry catalysis, breslow intermediate, benzoin condensation, C–C bond formations, cycloaddition, organocatalysis,
desymmetrisation, homoenolates, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Stetter reaction, umpolung reaction.
Abstract:Asymmetric synthesis is a crucial and valuable branch of synthetic chemistry. Organocatalytic methods of synthesis
are known for their greener approach towards scientific developments. These involve simple molecules as catalysts
that are less sensitive and can be easily and effectively employed in various systems with simple reaction conditions. In
the recent past organocatalytic asymmetric syntheses have thus grasped the attentions of chemists worldwide. Remarkable
contributions of N-heterocyclic carbenes have proved them to be valuable addition in this arena affording new possibilities
and enabling a range of unique synthetic transformations that are otherwise inaccessible. High enantioselectivity levels
have been achieved in many cases including umpolung reactions such as benzoin condensation, Stetter reaction, reactions
involving enolates and homoenolates, etc. This review summarizes the recent developments in the reactions that can
be carried out with NHC organocatalysts.
