Practical considerations in kinetic resolution reactions

This review provides a critical analysis of catalytic kinetic resolution re actions from a practical perspective, asking the question of when, if ever, is kinetic resolution the best option for the synthesis of an optically ac tive target. A series of crucial conditions are identified, and it is postu lated that if all of them are met, then indeed kinetic resolution can be hi ghly practical. A variety of catalytic kinetic resolution processes are eva luated in the context of these criteria, with particular emphasis on cataly st availability, substrate scope, availability of the racemic substrate and of alternative methods for accessing enantiopure substrate or product, and key experimental considerations. It is found that several catalytic system s have been developed that offer almost unbeatable methods for the preparat ion of useful chiral building blocks.