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. To help with the development of asymmetric synthesis, a discussion has been included on the difference between the top-selling drugs discussed in the first edition of this book and in the current one. In addition to pharmaceuticals, some large volume products in the food and agricultural areas are also discussed.
