Asymmetric catalysis mediated by the ligand sphere of octahedral chiral-at-metal complexes

Abstract

Due to the relationship between structure and function in chemistry, access to novel chemical structures ultimately drives the discovery of novel chemical function. In this light, the formidable utility of the octahedral geometry of six-coordinate metal complexes is founded in its stereochemical complexity combined with the ability to access chemical space that might be unavailable for purely organic compounds. In this Minireview we wish to draw attention to inert octahedral chiral-at-metal complexes as an emerging class of metal-templated asymmetric "organocatalysts" which exploit the globular, rigid nature and stereochemical options of octahedral compounds and promise to provide new opportunities in the field of catalysis.

Keywords: asymmetric catalysis; chiral metal centers; coordination modes; homogeneous catalysis.