Catalytic Deracemization Reactions

Deracemization, which converts a racemate into its singleenantiomerwithout separation of the intermediate, has gained renewed interestin asymmetric synthesis with its inherent atomic economy and highefficiency. However, this ideal process requires selective energyinput and delicate reaction design to surmount the thermodynamicaland kinetical constraints. With the rapid development of asymmetriccatalysis, many catalytic strategies in concert with exogenous energyinput have been exploited to facilitate this nonspontaneous enantioenrichment.In this perspective, we will discuss the basic ideas to accomplishcatalytic deracemization, categorized by the three major exogenousenergy sources including chemical (redox)-, photo- and mechanicalenergy from attrition. Emphasis will be given to the catalytic featuresand the underlying deracemization mechanism together with perspectiveson future development.

Automated summary

Deracemization, the process of converting a racemate into a single enantiomer without separating the intermediate, has regained attention in asymmetric synthesis due to its atomic economy and high efficiency. However, this process requires selective energy input and careful reaction design to overcome thermodynamic and kinetic constraints. With the development of asymmetric catalysis, catalytic strategies combined with exogenous energy input have been explored to enhance nonspontaneous enantioenrichment.