The world is chiral. Most of the molecules in it are chiral, and asymmetric synthesis is an important means by which enantiopure chiral molecules may be obtained for study and sale. Using examples from the literature of asymmetric synthesis (more than 1300 references), the aim of this book is to present a detailed analysis of the factors that govern stereoselectivity in organic reactions. It is important to note that the references were each individually checked by the authors to verify relevance to the topics under discussion. The study of stereoselectivity has evolved from issues of diastereoselectivity, through auxiliary-based methods for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds (diastereoselectivity followed by separation and auxiliary cleavage), to asymmetric catalysis. In the latter instance, enantiomers (not diastereomers) are the products, and highly selective reactions and modern purification techniques allow preparation - in a single step - of chiral substances in 99% ee for many reaction types. After an explanation of the basic physical-organic principles of stereoselectivity, the authors provide a detailed, annotated glossary of stereochemical terms. A chapter on "Analytical Methods" provides a critical overview of the most common methods for analysis of stereoisomers. The authors then follow the 'tried-and-true' format of grouping the material by reaction type. Thus, there are four chapters on carbon-carbon bond forming reactions (enolate alkylations, organometal additions to carbonyls, aldol and Michael reactions, and cycloadditions and rearrangements), one chapter on reductions and hydroborations (carbon-hydrogen bond forming reactions), and one on oxidations (carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bond forming reactions). Leading references are provided to natural product synthesis that have been accomplished using a given reaction as a key step. In addition to tables of examples that show high selectivity, a transition state analysis is presented to explain - to the current level of understanding - the stereoselectivity of each reaction. In one case (Cram's rule) the evolution of the current theory is detailed from its first tentative (1952) postulate to the current Felkin-Anh-Heathcock formalism. For other reactions, only the currently accepted rationale is presented. Examination of these rationales also exposes the weaknesses of current theories, in that they cannot always explain the experimental observations. These shortcomings provide a challenge for future mechanistic investigations.

Covers all facets of the synthesis of ß-amino acids As evidenced by an exponential increase in the literature published on the subject, interest in ß-amino acids has grown over the past several years. With major pharmaceutical applications, these amino acids are now studied across multiple lines of research, including combinatorial chemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular design, proteomics, and others. This Second Edition of Enantioselective Synthesis of ß-Amino Acids updates reviews included in the First Edition while also covering new developments since its publication. The book presents detailed discussions of the most important methods for the synthesis of ß-amino acids. In most cases, the lead chemist who originally developed a method provides an authoritative description of it. In addition, Enantioselective Synthesis of ß-Amino Acids, Second Edition: * Features introductory overviews on the structural types of relevant ß-amino acid targets and salient ß-amino acids present in natural products * Dedicates several chapters to advances in the synthesis of oligomers from ß-amino acids * Includes general and practical procedures for the preparation of ß-amino acids in each chapter * Discusses the most important methods that have been recently developed for the asymmetric synthesis of cyclic and open-chain ß-amino acids * Includes a report on the preparation of libraries of enantiopure ß-amino acids using combinatorial approaches The only book of its kind available today, Enantioselective Synthesis of ß-Amino Acids, Second Edition offers upper-level students and professionals an essential resource for pharmaceutical development, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry.

The world is chiral. Most of the molecules in it are chiral, and asymmetric synthesis is an important means by which enantiopure chiral molecules may be obtained for study and sale. The aim of this book is to present a detailed analysis of the factors that govern stereoselectivity in organic reactions.

Asymmetric synthesis remains a challenge to practicing scientists as the need for enantiomerically pure or enriched compounds continues to increase. Over the last decade, a large amount of literature has been published in this field. Principles and Applications of Asymmetric Synthesis consolidates and evaluates the most useful methodologies into a one-volume resource for the convenience of practicing scientists and students. Authored by internationally renowned scientists in the field, this reliable reference covers more than 450 reactions and includes important stoichiometric as well as catalytic asymmetric reactions. The first chapter reviews the basic principles, common nomenclature, and analytical methods, and the remainder of the book is organized according to reaction type. The text examines such topics as: Carbon-carbon bond formations involving carbonyls, enamines, imines, and enolates Asymmetric C-O bond formations including epoxidation, dihydroxylation, and aminohydroxylation Asymmetric synthesis using the Diels-Alder reaction and other cyclizations Applications to the total synthesis of natural products Use of enzymes in asymmetric synthesis Practicing chemists in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and agricultural professions as well as graduate students will find that Principles and Applications of Asymmetric Synthesis affords comprehensive and current coverage.