Catalyst selection for metal carbene transformations

Recent work has led to a greater understanding of the unique catalytic capa bilities of chiral dirhodium(II) carboxamidates. High levels of product con trol, especially enantioselectivity, can be achieved with these catalysts i n a wide variety of metal carbene transformations. Catalyst selection is th e key to these applications that include addition, insertion, and ylide pro cesses. Often two chiral dirhodium(II) carboxamidate catalysts applied to t he same substrate provide exceptional selectivity, but for different produc ts. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.