Asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized olefins or with poorly coordinative groups

Abstract The asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized and olefins bearing a poorly coordinative functional groups have been considered a very puzzling transformation over many decades. Over the last years, the asymmetric hydrogenation of these challenging olefins has experienced an important advance. So, we here discuss the breakthroughs and progress, mechanistic insights and more recent advances using iridium- and cobalt-catalyst. We also cover the more recent applications in the preparation of natural products and drugs.