A Concise Summary of Experimental Facts About the Soai Reaction

The Soai reaction amplifies small enantiomeric excesses in a spectacular manner. Being known for 20 years, it has drawn the attention of many scientists in different fields as it is to date the only chemical reaction offering the chance to study the phenomenon of asymmetric autocatalysis in conjunction with high amplification of enantiomeric excess (ee). This mini-review comprises an introduction to the discovery of asymmetric autocatalysis with amplification of ee and a concise summary of published experimental results showing which starting materials and reaction parameters play an important role in this reaction and which influences are understood. It is addressed especially to scientists entering the field of the Soai reaction to get a quick overview of important aspects. Chirality 22:E173-E182, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.