Chiral catalysts can be broadly categorized into several types:
1. Chiral Metal Complexes: These involve a metal center coordinated to chiral ligands. The chiral environment around the metal helps in inducing asymmetry in the reaction. 2. Organocatalysts: These are small organic molecules that function as chiral catalysts. They do not involve metals and often operate under mild conditions. 3. Enzymes: Nature’s own chiral catalysts, enzymes are highly selective and efficient in catalyzing asymmetric reactions. They are often used in biocatalysis. 4. Chiral Brønsted Acids and Bases: These catalysts induce chirality through protonation or deprotonation steps in the reaction.
