Catalyst selection for metal carbene transformations

Recent work has led to a greater understanding of the unique catalytic capabilities of chiral dirhodium(II) carboxamidates. High levels of product control, especially enantioselectivity, can be achieved with these catalysts in a wide variety of metal carbene transformations. Catalyst selection is the key to these applications that include addition, insertion, and ylide porcesses. Often two chiral dirhodium(II) carboxamidate catalysts applied to the same substrate provide exceptional selectivity, but for different products.