Asymmetric Organocatalysis – From a Process Development Perspective

There is often a perceived gap between the target-directed, regulation-sensitive, and cost-sensitive applied process chemistry on one side and the innovation- and curiosity-driven research chemistry, herein the rapid growing field of organocatalytic research, on the other side. This chapter attempts to provide a discussion from the process development perspective by describing general factors of relevance to chemical research and development as well as providing subjective opinions on the strengths and disadvantages of asymmetric organocatalysis from a process development perspective. Selected reports from literature and patents have been introduced to exemplify successful applications of asymmetric organocatalysis on large scale, as well as highlighting challenges during scale up and comparison to alternative routes.