Lecture
This lecture covers the concept of umpolung in catalysis, focusing on carbene catalysts and SOMO activation. Topics include asymmetric benzoin condensation, cross-benzoin condensation, tandem benzoin-cope-cyclization reaction, and intramolecular Stetter reaction. The lecture also discusses the synthesis of amino acids, a-allylation of aldehydes, a-oxidation of aldehydes, and chiral photoredox catalysts. Various models for selectivity and mechanisms for different reactions are presented, showcasing recent breakthroughs in asymmetric catalysis.