ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the syntheses of top-selling chiral compounds so that a perspective may be obtained about the merits of the various asymmetric approaches discussed elsewhere in this book. Of course, the majority of these drugs are mature, which means that a considerable amount of time and money has been expended to reduce costs and optimize the syntheses. In addition, asymmetric synthesis is a new approach, and, although the potential may exist today to use an asymmetric oxidation, this was not a serious option 20 years ago. In addition to pharmaceuticals, some large-volume products in the food and agricultural areas are also discussed.
