Zirconium alkoxides in catalysis.

This paper presents recent advances in the reactions catalyzed by zirconium alkoxide. Catalytic asymmetric reactions with chiral zirconium catalysts and redox reactions are first discussed. The diverse characteristics of zirconium alkoxides as Lewis acids, Brönsted bases, and nucleophiles, are key for promoting these unique reactions. Our recent development of novel reactions, one-pot synthesis of trans-1.2-diol derivatives and trans-beta-cyanohydrins from olefins, is also described. These reactions cannot be produced using other metals.