Recent developments in dynamic kinetic resolution

This review is intended to update the principal techniques used to obtain DKR by either enzymatic or non-enzymatic methods and illustrates the diversity of useful products that can be obtained through this powerful concept, covering the literature from 2008 to 2010. The resolution of stereoisomers has always been a reliable method of obtaining enantiomerically pure compounds, but the fundamental limitation of the yield to 50% has made it thoroughly unfashionable. The use of DKR seems to be increasing and it appears that these strategies have become serious alternatives to conventional methods for asymmetric synthesis. The last two years have witnessed significant developments in the efficiency and scope of the application of DKR. Indeed, impressive examples using new enzymes and major progress in the DKR of racemates have taken place over the past few years. The powerful combination of enzyme catalysis and metal catalysis has also been the subject of spectacular development. In addition, a new type of DKR based on the use of organocatalysts has appeared in the last few years, providing an increasing number of publications.