Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis

Abstract

Homogeneous catalysis using chiral metal complexes provides a general principle for chemical multiplication of chirality. A wide range of optically active substances can be synthesized catalytically by the appropriate combination of transition metals or main group elements and suitably designed chiral organic elements. This chemistry is useful not only for stereoselective preparation of chiral compounds in laboratories but also even on industrial level. The recent progress in this field greatly raised the potential of organic synthesis in general. The current status is discussed. © 1992, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan. All rights reserved.