Recent Progress of Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Sulfur(IV) Compounds

Abstract

Chiral S(IV) compounds are key synthetic intermediates commonly found in pharmaceuticals, materials and asymmetric catalysis, which typically make enantioselective synthesis frontline research of modern organic chemistry. The focus of this review is recent developments in methods for the enantioselective synthesis of sulfinyl and sulfonimidoyl derivatives including their amine analogues. These key strategies, including selective kinetic resolution and catalytic desymmetrization as well as transition metal-catalyzed transformations are able to establish chiral centers in a high efficiency with great stereochemical control. A mechanistic consideration in these reactions reveals the process of achieving stereospecific and functional group diversity route to varied sulfur(IV) compounds. Moreover, the incorporation of green chemistry practices and sustainable catalytic processes highlights a commitment to minimizing environmental impacts while scaling its applications. In the future, continuing study will continue to realize richer synthetic toolbox with new applications and advances in enantiomeric synthesis addressing the challenges of low reactivity/selectivity interaction that render chiral S(IV) compounds as an indispensable elerins for further chemical innovation.