Abstract
Transition metal complexes bearing anionic meridional ligands can construct highly reactive catalyst in homogeneous reactions. In these complexes, a metal-carbon σ-bond and two metallacycles can induce high stability, unique electronic properties and steric environments. This paper describes the development of new optically active metal complexes containing bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl (Phebox) ligands for enantioselective catalytic reactions. The Phebox-Rh complex serves as a highly efficient and multi-functional catalyst for several types of enantioselective transformations including reduction, C-C bond formation and functionalization reactions, such as hydrosilylation, conjugate reduction, reductive aldol reaction, direct aldol or alkynylation reactions, and β-boration. The Phebox-Ru complex was also developed as a selective catalyst in enantioselective reactions for hydrogenation, cyclopropanation, and alkynylation reactions. The Phebox-Fe, Pd and Ir complexes were found to have a variety of reactivity in catalytic and stoichiometric reactions.
