Mechanisms of Asymmetric Heterogeneous Catalysis1

Asymmetric catalysis plays an important role in present-day production of pharmaceuticals. It can be predicted that enantioselective catalysis will dominate in the future, replacing conventional stoichiometric methods. Heterogeneous catalysts offer several advantages compared to their homogeneous counterparts. In the present review mechanisms of asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis are discussed and the different ways of chirality transfer are addressed. Enantioselection is possible over chiral supports and chiral metals exhibiting intrinsic chirality, as well as over modified metal supported catalysts. The interactions between a reactant and a modifier are very specific being critical for achieving high enantioselectivities.