Enantioselective catalysis

Enantioselective catalysis is a process where a catalyst selectively promotes the formation of one specific mirror-image form (enantiomer) of a chiral molecule over the other. Many molecules, like human hands, have mirror-image versions that can have different biological effects. By guiding chemical reactions to produce mostly one enantiomer, enantioselective catalysis improves the efficiency and safety of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. This selective process relies on chiral catalysts, which have structures that favor the formation of one enantiomer, enabling precise control over molecular architecture in chemical synthesis.