Synthesis and application in asymmetric catalysis of camphor-based pyridine ligands

This tutorial review deals with the synthesis and application in asymmetric catalysis of camphorbased
pyridine ligands. These ligands can be roughly divided into two groups: those in which the
camphor is annulated in the 2,3-positions to the b-face of the pyridine ring and those in which the
pyridine is contained as a pendant on the C2 or C3 of the camphor framework. Camphor-based
pyridine ligands can also contain other donor centers located on the pyridine ring or camphor
skeleton. Some of these ligands have provided interesting enantioselectivities in several
asymmetric reactions, such as SN29 reactions, allylic oxidations, carbonyl additions with
organozinc reagents and hydrogenations. This review contains a lot of chemistry on ligand
synthesis and readers will find it of value and also perhaps an inspiration for the development of
more active and improved versions.