Synthesis 2012; 44(10): 1427-1452
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1290869
review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Detour and Direct Induction of Methyl-Containing Chiral Centers via Catalytic C–H or C–C Bond Formation

Kohei Endo*
a   School of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
b   PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
,
Takanori Shibata*
c   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan, Fax: +81(3)52868098   Email: kendo@se.kanazawa-u.ac.jp   Email: tshibata@waseda.jp
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 31 January 2012

Accepted after revision: 24 February 2012

Publication Date:
17 April 2012 (online)


Abstract

The asymmetric induction of chiral centers bearing a methyl group is a fundamental protocol for the synthesis of valuable molecules in biologically active compounds. However, the direct asymmetric methylation is typically difficult to achieve. The present review describes recent representatives of detour and direct approaches to the construction of methyl-containing chiral centers via catalytic C–H or C–C bond formation.

1 Introduction

2 Detour Approaches

2.1 Enzymatic Transformation

2.2 Hydrogenation (Reduction)

2.3 Hydroboration and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling

2.4 Hydroformylation

2.5 Cross-Coupling Reaction

2.6 Conjugate Addition

2.7 SN2′ Methylation

2.8 α-Alkylation

2.9 C–H Functionalization

2.10 Friedel–Crafts Reaction

2.11 Diels–Alder Reaction

2.12 Miscellaneous

3 Direct Approaches

3.1 Carbometallation

3.2 SN2′ Methylation

3.3 Conjugate Addition

3.4 Ring-Opening Reaction

3.5 Trifluoromethylation

4 Concluding Remarks