PRACTICAL ASYMMETRIC CATALYTIC REACTIONS.

This chapter summarizes some of the most characteristic results obtained with the use of mainly homogeneous metal complex catalysts either in the industry or in processes recommended for practical use. These are large scale processes of asymmetric synthesis of the herbicide metolachlor, synthesis of optically pure menthol with the use of chiral iridium and rhodium phosphine complexes, consideration of the synthesis of ethyl 2-hydroxybutyrate as a monomer for the preparation of biodegradable polyesters with use of heterogeneous chiral modified nickel catalyst, the manufacturing of (R)-pantolactone by means of a possible catalytic systems for enantioselective hydrogenation of ketopantolactone, and catalytic systems for the preparation of other pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]