Demonstration of Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis

Significance

Absolute asymmetric synthesis means to synthesize chiral molecules without any chiral materials such as catalysts, auxiliaries or ­reagents. The authors demonstrated an absolute asymmetric synthesis with crystallization of one enantiomer of a zinc reagent from its racemic mixture and subsequent reaction with NCS to provide enantiomer-enriched 1-chloroindene in high enantiomeric excess and chemical yield.