Enantioselective synthesis of molecules with multiple stereogenic elements

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Stereochemistry
• Asymmetric Synthesis

Background:

• Molecules with multiple stereogenic elements are crucial in various scientific fields.
• Controlling the three-dimensional shape (stereochemistry) of these molecules is challenging.
• Existing synthetic methods often lack efficiency or broad applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze diverse strategies for the enantioselective synthesis of molecules with multiple stereogenic elements.
• To highlight the advancements in metal- and organo-catalysis for controlling stereochemistry.
• To discuss emerging trends and combinations of chiral elements.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of (dynamic) kinetic resolutions.
• Analysis of desymmetrisation techniques.
• Investigation of simultaneous installation of stereogenic elements.
• Focus on metal- and organo-catalysis.

Main Results:

• Multiple strategies effectively create and control the stereochemistry of complex molecules.
• Catalytic approaches, particularly metal- and organo-catalysis, are key to efficient synthesis.
• Emerging combinations of stereogenic elements (e.g., carbon, axis, helix, plane) are expanding synthetic possibilities.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in the enantioselective synthesis of molecules with multiple stereogenic elements.
• Catalysis plays a pivotal role in achieving high levels of stereocontrol.
• The field is evolving with new combinations of chirality and more complex molecular architectures.