Proposal: There are many opportunities for presentations on the topic of “asymmetric catalysis”, and the field as a whole is considered to be mature. Homogeneous asymmetric catalysis has been a mainstay of the synthetic chemistry community, and the 2001 Nobel Prize was awarded for transition metal catalysis in this research area (http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2001/). However new areas have emerged (organocatalysis, biocatalysis), and longstanding problems remain in need for improvements (heterogeneous catalysis, immobilized catalysis). In addition, asymmetric catalysis is linked to sustainability and efficiencies that increase economic competitiveness. Thus the present time may be one of transition when the area emerges from being an end unto itself to one that becomes an integral tool in emerging fields. This meeting will examine the current state of affairs in “asymmetric catalysis” and discuss (1) if there is sufficient certainty in the area to be an integral tool in emerging fields and (2) evaluate the pace for “asymmetric catalysis” in emerging fields.
Proposed attendance up to 30 persons with a mix of academic and industrial attendees, national and international. Since this is the first venture for this clientele at Telluride, we do not know what the response will be. Invitations will be sent in October and responses requested prior to December 15th.

Format: Presentation of what is current (minimal background information) in the presenter’s research operations with 10-15 minutes devoted to description of problems to be solved and opportunities that exist. General roundtable discussions on the future of asymmetric catalysis

Three lunches are included in the registration cost.