Chirotechnology: Industrial Synthesis of Optically Active Compounds

by Roger A. Sheldon

This reference provides an introduction to the phenomenon of chirality and its importance in conjunction with biological activity and offers an easy-to-read examination of practical, industrially relevant methods for the synthesis of optically active compounds.;Furnishing hands-on guidelines for the development of economically viable synthetic compounds, explains optical isomerism and stereochemistry; gives a general overview of various methods of synthesis; supplies detailed explications of specific techniques, including fermentation, crystallization, the chirality pool, enzymatic methods, and catalytic asymmetric synthesis; illustrates and compares approaches with examples taken directly from industry such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavours, and fragrances; and clarifies the importance of determining which approach to use for the synthesis of particular molecules.;With over 1100 literature citations, tables and figures, Chirotechnology is a reference for chemical engineers; industrial, organic and medicinal chemists; and bioprocess technologists, as well as a text for upper-level undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students in these disciplines.

423 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 1993