Asymmetric hydroalkoxylation
of alkenes constitutes a redox-neutral
and 100% atom-economical strategy toward enantioenriched oxygenated
building blocks from readily available starting materials. Despite
their great potential, catalytic enantioselective additions of alcohols
across a C–C multiple bond are particularly underdeveloped,
especially compared to other hydrofunctionalization methods such as
hydroamination. However, driven by some recent innovations, e.g.,
asymmetric MHAT methods, asymmetric photocatalytic methods, and the
development of extremely strong chiral Brønsted acids, there
has been a gratifying surge of reports in this burgeoning field. The
goal of this review is to survey the growing landscape of asymmetric
hydroalkoxylation by highlighting exciting new advances, deconstructing
mechanistic underpinnings, and drawing insight from related asymmetric
hydroacyloxylation and hydration. A deep appreciation of the underlying
principles informs an understanding of the various selectivity parameters
and activation modes in the realm of asymmetric alkene hydrofunctionalization
while simultaneously evoking the outstanding challenges to the field
moving forward. Overall, we aim to lay a foundation for cross-fertilization
among various catalytic fields and spur further innovation in asymmetric
hydroalkoxylations of C–C multiple bonds.