Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Nonaromatic Cyclic Substrates

Chiral cyclic structures are found in numerous natural products, pharmaceutical compounds, and important synthetic intermediates. Asymmetric hydrogenation, allowing for the preparation of these complex targets in an environmentally benign and efficient manner, has received much attention over the past few years. This review summarizes the advances in the construction of chiral heterocycles and carbocycles (including cyclic amines, ethers, alcohols, and alkanes) via the asymmetric hydrogenation of nonaromatic cyclic substrates (including prochiral cyclic imines, ketones, and alkenes) using appropriate transition-metal complexes.