There are several types of chiral catalysts used in enantioselective synthesis, including:
Chiral ligands: These are often used in metal-catalyzed reactions. Ligands such as BINAP (2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl) can induce chirality in the metal center. Organocatalysts: Organic molecules such as proline can catalyze reactions asymmetrically without the need for metals. Biocatalysts: Enzymes are naturally chiral and highly specific, making them excellent catalysts for producing enantiomerically pure compounds.
