There is a growing need in organic synthesis for efficient methodologies for the asymmetric synthesis of quaternary carbon centres. One of the most attractive and straightforward methods focuses on the use of asymmetric catalysis for the addition of various types of nucleophiles on prochiral ketones and ketimines. A view of the literature from this growing area of research will be presented in this review, with an emphasis on the pioneer works and milestones brought by the main players in this field.

Ruthenium dimer 4 is converted directly to monomeric asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalyst 2 under the conditions employed for ketone reduction. Using 0.25 mol % of either 4 or 0.5 mol % of 2 in formic acid/triethylamine, it is possible to achieve ketone reduction in quantitative conversion and with ee's as high as 98%. Complex 2 is a robust "single-reagent" catalyst which offers significant scope for modification toward specific substrates. The synthesis and applications of an analogous complex derived from (1R,2S)-norephedrine are also described.

The catalysed enantioselective formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds by the hydroamination reaction is reviewed. All examples deal with substrates containing non-activated carbon-carbon multiple bonds which are transformed either via intramolecular or intermolecular reactions. Structurally different complexes already provided nitrogen containing compounds/heterocycles with high enantioselectivities.