Advances in Chemocatalytic Asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger Oxidations

Baeyer–Villiger oxidations, first reported by Adolf von Baeyer and Victor Villiger 120 years ago, are highly efficient methodologies for the syntheses of esters or lactones from ketones. The asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger oxidations using racemic, prochiral and meso‐cyclic ketones allow a rapid access to chiral lactones, which are valuable intermediates for the subsequent synthesis of bioactive compounds and natural products. The current review provides a summary on the advances in chemocatalytic enantioselective B‐V oxidations. The latest achievements in this field and their applications are presented.