The cationic half-sandwich aqua-complexes [(η 5-C 5 Me 5)M(PP*)(H 2 O)][SbF 6 ] 2 [M= Rh, Ir; PP*= (R)-Benphos, (R)-Cyphos, (2R,4R)-Norphos] catalyse the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (DCR) of nitrones with methacrylonitrile with perfect regioselectivity, low-to-perfect endo selectivity and low-to-moderate enantioselectivity. The active species involved in the catalytic process, [(η 5-C 5 Me 5)M(PP*)(methacrylonitrile)][SbF 6 ] 2 , have been isolated and characterised as mixtures of the (S)-and (R)-at-metal epimers. NMR measurements of these mixtures indicated that the (R M)-isomers epimerise to the corresponding (S M) counterparts. The molecular structure of the rhodium complex (S Rh ,R C)-[(η 5-C 5 Me 5)Rh{(R)-Benphos}(methacrylonitrile)][SbF 6 ] 2 has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Diastereopure (S Rh ,R C)-[(η 5-C 5 Me 5)Rh(PP*)(methacrylonitrile)][SbF 6 ] 2 compounds catalyse stoichiometrically the above mentioned DCR with up to 90% enantiomeric excess, showing the influence of the metal handeness on the catalytic stereochemical outcome. Catalysts can be recycled up to three times without significant loss of either activity or selectivity.