Asymmetric Catalysis — Industrial

AbstractThis article describes the state of the art for the application of enantioselective chemocatalysts for the industrial production of enantiomerically enriched chiral fine chemicals. Enantioselective processes using chemical, chiral catalysts that have been and/or are presently used for the commercial manufacture are covered. The application of biocatalytic systems such as enzymes or whole cells is excluded. In addition, information on piloted processes not (yet) used in actual production is included as well. Since it is notoriously difficult to get precise information on industrial processes, many references relate to rather informal sources such asC&EN, proceedings of commercial meetings, and personal communications.After a short introduction to the world of chirality and enantioselective catalysis, the most important production technologies for enantiopure chiral molecules are described. Relevant requirements and strategies for the application of enantioselective catalysis in fine chemicals production are discussed to show which factors determine whether a catalytic method can be applied successfully or not. Next, an overview is given of today's major industrial players in the field of enantioselective catalysis. Finally, processes applied to the regular production as well as important piloted processes are described in some detail.