Can Deprotonation Affect Selectivity in Catalysis?
Yes, deprotonation can significantly affect the selectivity of catalytic reactions. The removal of a proton can lead to the formation of different intermediates, which can follow distinct reaction pathways. By carefully controlling the deprotonation step, it is possible to steer the reaction towards the desired product. This is particularly important in asymmetric synthesis, where the selectivity of the reaction determines the formation of specific enantiomers.
