Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021
The 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Benjamin List and David MacMillan for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis. Vital in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and increasingly that of new technological materials, asymmetric synthesis aims to selectively synthesize just one mirror image form of a particular molecule. The development of organocatalysis recognized that small chiral organic molecules could themselves act as catalysts for such processes. In recognition of this award, Nature Portfolio presents a collection of research, review and opinion articles that focus on the origins, the development and the future directions inspired by the topic.
Nature Portfolio is pleased to acknowledge financial support from Solvias in producing this collection. The sponsor retains sole responsibility for the following message.
The development of sustainable processes is an important task of modern organic synthesis. A convenient way to tackle the requirements of high selectivities, quantitative yields and high atom economies resulting in improved environmental performance is to consider chemocatalyzed steps in the synthetic route. Metal-free catalysis, particularly organocatalysis, is an excellent complementary tool that significantly enhances the toolbox of synthetic organic chemists.
Solvias is engaged in supporting the development of chemocatalyzed processes for relevant industrial applications. Combining a broad ligand and catalyst portfolio with expertise in the development of chemocatalyzed reactions and a high throughput experimentation platform enables us to tackle the most challenging projects in applied catalysis. To this end, the expanded Solvias product and service portfolio fosters the emerging field of organocatalysis by offering and applying chiral phosphoric acids and, most recently, organic photocatalysts.
Solvias develops, analyzes and tests a wide range of products as well as biological and chemical substances. By offering a unique combination of integrated services in applied catalysis, custom synthesis, solid state development and diverse analytical capabilities, Solvias helps its customers bring safer products to the market faster.
