[Cr(Salen)] as a ‘bridge’ between asymmetric catalysis, Lewis acids and redox processes

Abstract

An overview focused on the synthesis, structural features and catalytic applications of chiral [Cr(Salen)] complexes is presented. Key aspects of modern organic chemistry such as Lewis acids, asymmetric catalysis and redox processes are strictly connected with chromium–Schiff base complexes. Among the asymmetric transformations mediated by [Cr(Salen)] complexes, Diels–Alder and hetero-Diels–Alder reactions, ARO of epoxides, kinetic resolution of meso-epoxides and Nozaki–Hyama reactions are taken into account.