Parallel Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Compounds Using a Single Chiral Catalyst

Parallel kinetic resolution (PKR) is a powerful strategy for generating structural and stereochemical diversity from racemic substrates by transforming each enantiomer into a distinct chiral product. Depending on the reaction pathway, PKR can proceed through regiodivergent, stereodivergent, or chemodivergent processes. Recent advances in transition-metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and biocatalysis have enabled high levels of enantio- and regioselectivity across a wide range of transformations, substantially expanding the scope of PKR. In particular, intermolecular PKR reactions are classified as type I, involving a single achiral partner, or type II, involving two different achiral partners, both of which enhance molecular diversification under identical reaction conditions. By allowing simultaneous access to multiple enantiomerically enriched products from a single racemic compound, PKR offers a versatile platform for the construction of complex three-dimensional molecules relevant to natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry.