Revue des sciences chimiques

Synthetic Methods for the Construction of Chiral Molecules: Enantioselective Catalysis and Asymmetric Synthesis

Abstract

Hamideh Sabah

Chiral molecules, which possess non-superimposable mirror images or enantiomers, play a pivotal role in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. The unique properties of chiral compounds often make them essential components of life-saving drugs and advanced materials. Consequently, the development of efficient and selective methods for the synthesis of chiral molecules is of paramount importance. Two of the most powerful strategies in this realm are enantioselective catalysis and asymmetric synthesis. Enantioselective catalysis is a specialized branch of catalysis that focuses on the selective production of a single enantiomer (chiral molecule) from a racemic mixture (a 50:50 mixture of two mirror-image isomers known as enantiomers). This field has had a profound impact on chemistry and various industries, especially pharmaceuticals, where the chirality of molecules can significantly affect their biological activity and safety.