Chiral catalysts derived from biomass: Design, synthesis and applications in asymmetric catalysis

The development of new and more efficient catalytic systems is the subject of increasing attention from both academic and industrial research. Moreover, biomass is an endless supply of hydrocarbon materials that can be used as renewable raw materials for the development of new organic compounds. In this context, many research groups have devoted their works to products with a natural chirality source, non-toxic, biodegradable and usually inexpensive for the development of new chiral catalysts. Some new chiral molecules derived from biomass such as carbohydrates, natural aminoacids acid have been synthesized and used as chiral ligands or organocatalysts for asymmetric catalysis leading to the formation of expected products with good yields and high enantiomeric excess. The results of these studies will be presented and discussed in this communication.