Asymmetric synthesis has become a major aspect of modern organic chemistry. The importance of stereochemical purity in pharmaceutical products has been one driving force in the quest for improved control over the stereochemical outcome of organic reactions. Asymmetric catalysis is an important aspect of asymmetric synthesis, and one that has seen tremendous activity over the past decade. This book is planned from the point of view of the synthetic organic chemist, i.e. by transformation rather than on the basis of the organometallic chemistry. The emphasis is on non-enzymatic methods of asymmetric catalysis, although key references to enzyme-catalysed reactions have been incorporated where appropriate.

The book is extensively referenced and therefore provides a convenient point of entry to the primary literature.

Jonathan M. J. Williams is the author of Catalysis in Asymmetric Synthesis, published by Wiley.