Stereoselection at the Steady State by Stereoconvergent Reaction Topography

A novel strategy for achieving stereoselection by engineering reactions to occur through a unique kinetic scheme is introduced. The strategy, named “complex stereoselection”, effects stereoselection as a result of intermediates at the steady state partitioning successively between competing chemical transformations. A mathematical description of the ratio of products produced in the kinetic strategy is derived, and computer simulation of that model demonstrates two principal advantages of this method: higher selectivity and more efficient conversion of substrates. These computer simulations were subsequently used to determine conditions for maximum stereoselection in these reactions via the framework of a series of hypothetical scenarios in six different incarnations of complex stereoselection. The resulting predictions present challenges to the field of experimental stereochemistry.