What are Some Common Catalysts Used in Asymmetric Synthesis?
Several types of catalysts are commonly used:
- Chiral Ligand Complexes: These include metal complexes with chiral ligands, such as BINAP and TADDOL derivatives. They are frequently used in asymmetric hydrogenation and allylic substitution reactions. - Organocatalysts: Small organic molecules like proline and cinchona alkaloids that do not contain metals but can induce chirality. - Enzymes: Biological catalysts that are inherently chiral and can catalyze highly specific reactions under mild conditions.
