New methodology for the asymmetric reduction of ketones.

This review highlights recent reports, between 2000 and early 2002, of new methodologies for the asymmetric reduction of ketones, leading to the formation of alcohols. Since ketone reduction is a pivotal reaction in organic chemistry, and since its enantioselective variant constitutes an increasing fraction of this widely reported reaction, we have been highly selective in the choice of material. Emphasis will be placed on the application of asymmetric reduction of ketones to drug synthesis, on unusually novel applications and on new classes of reagents for these applications, the majority of which involve catalytic processes. The rapid rise of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation to prominence in recent years will be reflected by a high level of coverage in this review, while other more established methods (oxazaborolidines, hydrogenation) will also be featured.