Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions in Organic Chemistry

This lecture covers the topic of catalytic asymmetric reactions in organic chemistry, focusing on the LUMO activation of extended pi-systems of carbonyls and imines, asymmetric conjugate addition using a radical-based approach, and the novel use of photoredox catalysis to generate radicals. The instructor discusses the advantages of radical-based mechanisms, the role of light activation, and the catalytic cycles involved in these reactions. Various approaches such as carbene-based and carbenoid-based methods are also explored, along with examples of asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions and their stereochemistry.