Kinetic resolution strategies using non-enzymatic catalysts

Recent advances in the use of non-enzymatic chiral catalysts for the kinetic resolution or dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic substrates are described. Successful protocols that afford recovered starting material or products in high enantiomeric excess are included, and mechanistic detail is discussed where appropriate. Relevant examples illustrate the wide range of different reaction scenarios where kinetic resolution has recently been employed as a strategy for the efficient synthesis of enantiopure compounds. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.