β-Keto acids in asymmetric metal catalysis and organocatalysis.

β-Keto acids, ideal surrogates of inactive ketones, play an important role in organic synthesis. The asymmetric decarboxylative reaction using β-keto acids is the one which is being studied the most. Herein we present a comprehensive review on this research topic, which is generally classified according to different catalytic systems and chiral induction modes. Additionally, some extended utilities of these methodologies for synthesizing bioactive compounds were also summarized. This review will facilitate the synthetic community to understand the role of β-keto acids in asymmetric reactions, providing many new opportunities for further exploration in this field.