Introduction to stereospecificity, stereoselectivity and asymmetric synthesis

This chapter deals with the principles of stereospecificity, diastereoselectivity and asymmetric synthesis. A general treatment of conformation and reactivity with respect to relative rates (Winstein–Holness equation) and product composition (Curtin–Hammett principle) is presented. The concepts relating to stereospecific and stereoselective reactions are provided. The evolution and approaches to asymmetric synthesis are described with respect to first generation (substrate control), second generation (auxiliary control), third generation (reagent control) and fourth generation (asymmetric catalysis). In addition, the principles of asymmetric amplification, asymmetric autocatalysis, double stereodifferentiation and kinetic resolution are introduced.