Progress in the catalytic enantioselective construction of difluoroalkylated stereogenic centers

Molecules bearing difluoroalkyl groups are very important in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and many materials. In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the development of novel synthetic methods for constructing compounds containing CF2R groups. In particular, the construction of difluoroalkylated stereogenic centers is thriving. This review focuses on catalytic asymmetric difluoroalkylation for the construction of difluoralkylated stereogenic centers, summarizing the reported synthetic methods, the active intermediates involved, and the asymmetric strategies applied. The product diversity, selectivity, and proposed mechanisms are highlighted, and the future outlook and existing challenges are also provided.