Asymmetric alcoholysis of cyclic anhydrides

A number of approaches toward highly enantioselective alcoholysis of cyclic anhydrides were developed, with readily accessible and easily recyclable organic catalysts based on the cinchona alkaloid skeleton showing the most promise at present. In terms of enantioselectivity and yield, generality of substrate scope, accessibility of the substrates, reagents, and catalysts, and ease of product purification, the most efficient catalytic asymmetric alcoholysis of cyclic anhydrides have begun to fulfill many of the critical requirements that define a powerful catalytic asymmetric reaction.