Chiral 2,2′-bipyridines, 1,10-phenanthrolines, and 2,2′:6′,2"-terpyridines:: Syntheses and applications in asymmetric homogeneous catalysis

This review outlines the synthesis of a wide range of chiral bpy, phen, and tpy ligands and their utility in various enantioselective processes. The best results obtained by these ligands in the six asymmetric catalytic organic transformations are discussed. Furthermore, to evaluate the scope and performance of these pyridine derivatives, similar data for a series of the most common other homo- and heterodonor ligands are also summarized. It is also shown that while nitrogen-containing ligands are useful in a wide range of processes, affording very good enantioselectivities, phosphorus-based ligands are less well represented.