Carbohydrate derivative ligands in asymmetric catalysis

This review describes how carbohydrates have been applied as ligands in transition metal asymmetric catalysis. In general, carbohydrates are functionalized with donor atoms such as P, N or S so that they can be coordinated to transition metals. The review deals with all the different types of ligands in turn. After an introduction describing their general features and advantages in asymmetric catalysis, the carbohydrate phosphorus ligands, diphosphines, diphosphites, diphosphinites, and related phosphorus ligands are reviewed. Heterodonor carbohydrate or hemilabile ligands such as N,P-, N,S-, P,S-, S,O- as well as N,N-, S,S- and O,O-ligands are also discussed. Other related ligands are included because of their importance in asymmetric catalysis. In all cases the most important results of their application in asymmetric catalysis are highlighted and the intermediates are studied. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.