Asymmetric catalysis with chiral cyclopentadienyl complexes to access privileged scaffolds

The development of metal complexes containing chiral cyclopentadienyl (Cp^x) ligands has found widespread application in asymmetric catalysis. Since 2012, several ligand designs have been successfully realised and used in a diverse array of reactions, including challenging C–H bond functionalisations. Often associated with Group 9 metals (Co, Rh, Ir), chiral Cp^x ligands have also been used in combination with early transition metals and rare-earth elements. Here, we categorise their use in accessing privileged scaffolds, often found in bioactive compounds, with high stereocontrol.