Enantiopure Chiral Crystals: A Powerful Tool for Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis

This review explores the use of enantiopure chiral crystals as powerful tools for absolute asymmetric synthesis, a field focused on generating enantiomerically enriched products from achiral precursors without chiral reagents or catalysts. We discuss various strategies, including solid-state reactions (solid-gas, solid-grinding, and photochemical reactions) and solution-based approaches utilizing chiral crystals as reagents, catalysts, or products. Key examples include the use of chiral crystals in Strecker reactions, photocycloadditions, and asymmetric catalysis. The review also highlights recent advancements in leveraging chiral conglomerates for spontaneous resolution and enantioenrichment. These methods demonstrate the potential for achieving high enantiomeric excesses and provide insights into the origin of homochirality on Earth.