Supramolecular Halogen Bonds in Asymmetric Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Halogen bonding (XB) has gained significant attention in the last two decades.
• A key area of interest is the application of halogen bonding in catalysis.
• Halogen bond catalysis is an emerging field within organocatalysis, moving beyond its initial proof-of-concept stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the current applications of halogen bonds in catalytic stereoselective processes.
• To highlight the growing importance and potential of halogen bonding in asymmetric synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on halogen bonding in catalysis.
• Analysis of catalytic systems where halogen bonds play a role in stereoselectivity.
• Focus on enantioselective reactions utilizing halogen bond interactions.

Main Results:

• The field of halogen bond catalysis has progressed significantly, demonstrating its viability.
• The first purely halogen bond-based enantioselective catalytic reaction has been reported.
• Halogen bonds are crucial in achieving high enantioselectivity in various catalytic reactions, often in conjunction with other interactions.

Conclusions:

• Halogen bond catalysis is a rapidly developing area with demonstrated success in stereoselective synthesis.
• While selectivity can be further optimized, halogen bonding is already a key factor in numerous highly enantioselective reactions.
• This overview underscores the established and expanding role of halogen bonds in modern catalytic stereoselective processes.