Asymmetric catalysis in microreactor systems of flow chemistry: a powerful tool in the synthesis of biologically active compounds

The review systematizes the achievements in the relevant field of asymmetric catalysis implemented in microreactor synthesis. The main types of stereoselective reactions involving organocatalysts, metal complexes, and enzymes in both homogeneous and heterogeneous designs are systematically compared. The results obtained in batch and continuous-flow processes are presented and general patterns determining the efficiency of various types of catalysts are identified. The data are analyzed in relation to the synthesis of pharmaceutically important chiral compounds and intermediates, including compounds that possess anticoagulant, antidepressant, antiepileptic, antiviral, and other types of biological activity. Taken together, the presented data indicate that asymmetric catalysis in microfluidic systems is both an important tool for fundamental research of stereoselective reactions and a promising technology platform for laboratory and industrial synthesis of enantiomerically pure biologically active compounds. The bibliography includes 298 references.