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The elusive nature of noncovalent π-interactions leads to their infrequent use as a design element in challenging chemical reactions. Stereocontrolling models based on coordinated noncovalent π-interactions were used for the asymmetric dihydroxylation of 1,1-disubstituted aliphatic alkenes. By introduction of a substituted phthalazine ring into the alkene substrates, the enantioselectivity reached 99% under the catalysis of bis -cinchona alkaloid ligands. Density functional theory calculations indicated a well-orchestrated, π-π interaction-directed "sandwich-like" transition state.

The borrowing-hydrogen (or hydrogen autotransfer) process, where the catalyst dehydrogenates a substrate and formally transfers the H atom to an unsaturated intermediate, is an atom-efficient and environmentally benign transformation. Described here is an example of an asymmetric borrowing-hydrogen cascade for the formal anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of allyl alcohols to synthesize optically enriched γ-secondary amino alcohols. By exploiting the Ru-( S )- i PrPyme catalyst with minimal stereogenicity, a cascade process including dehydrogenation, conjugate addition, and asymmetric reduction was developed. The mild conditions, functional group tolerance, and broad substrate scope (54 examples) demonstrate the synthetic practicality of the catalytic system.

A highly efficient asymmetric synthesis of chiral thioflavanones is developed via conjugate addition of arylzinc reagents to thiochromones using Rh(COD)Cl 2 /(R)-3,4,5-MeO-MeOBIPHEP catalyst. This method overcomes catalyst poisoning and substrate inertness and affords a series of chiral thioflavanones (2-arylthiochroman-4-ones) in good yields (up to 91% yield) with excellent ee values (up to 97% ee). The established asymmetric synthesis paves the way for further pharmaceutical studies.

An unprecedented high level of regioselectivities (up to 96%) in the intermolecular crossed acyloin condensations of various aromatic aldehydes with acetaldehyde was realized by an appropriate choice of N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts.