Abstract: A new class of reagents and method of use of the reagents in the reaction of the reagents with electrophilic compounds. The invention in one embodiment is directed to a method for the formation of an alcohol of the formula (I). The method includes reacting a reagent of the formula (II) with an aldehyde of the formula R10CHO to form the alcohol. X3 is one of O and C(R4)(R5). Each of X1 and X2 is independently O or N—R. Each of Ca and Cb is independently an achiral center, an (S) chiral center or an (R) chiral center. Ra and Rb are (i) each independently C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl or C3-9 heteroaryl, or (ii) taken together to form a C3—C4 alkylene chain which together with Ca and Cb forms a 5-membered or 6-membered aliphatic ring. Rc and Rd are each independently hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl or C3-9 heteroaryl. R is C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl or C3-9 heteroaryl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optically active aldehyde which comprises hydroformylating a terminal olefin substrate represented by the formula:Q.sub.1 Q.sub.2 C.dbd.CH.sub.2wherein Q.sub.1 is an atom or group other than carbon or hydrogen and Q.sub.2 is an atom or group other than hydrogen, in the presence of CO, H.sub.2 and a catalyst, which catalyst comprises a transition metal based compound and a ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for stereoselective or regioselective chemical synthesis which generally comprises reacting a nucleophile and a chiral or prochiral cyclic substrate in the presence of a non-racemic chiral catalyst to produce a stereoisomerically or regioselectively enriched product.

Abstract: The present invention relates a process for stereoselective or regioselective chemical synthesis which generally comprises reacting a nucleophile and a chiral or prochiral cyclic substrate in the presence of a non-racemic chiral catalyst to produce a steroisomerically or regioselectively enriched product.