The asymmetric desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides via the addition of carbon-based nucleophiles has been the focus of considerable levels of interest because it leads to optically active products. Over the past 20 years, a variety of different catalytic asymmetric alkylation reactions have been developed for the desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides using different metal reagents as nucleophiles and using chiral ligands. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of significant developments in this field. The asymmetric desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides via the addition of carbon-based nucleophiles has been the focus of considerable levels of interest because it leads to optically active products. Over the past 20 years, a variety of different catalytic asymmetric alkylation reactions have been developed for the desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides using different metal reagents as nucleophiles and using chiral ligands. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of significant developments in this field.