Asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions of cyclopentadiene in the synthesis of chiral norbornene derivatives

The review discusses available data on asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions of cyclopentadiene, which were published in the past decade. Both noncatalytic and catalytic (in the presence of achiral and chiral catalysts) versions of these reactions are considered. Effects of various factors on the chemical and optical yields, stereoselectivity, and optical purity of the Diels-Alder adducts are analyzed. Prospects in the development of this field of organic chemistry are examined.