Your Partner for Chiral Chemistry in API and Intermediate Development
At Evonik, we understand that chirality matters—especially in pharmaceuticals, where the right enantiomer can mean the difference between therapeutic success and failure. With over 40 years of experience in biotechnology and decades of leadership in asymmetric synthesis, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies bring chiral APIs and intermediates to market faster, safer, and more efficiently.
Precision in Every Molecule. Partnership in Every Step.
As a leading CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), we offer a comprehensive suite of chiral chemistry services, from early-stage development to commercial-scale manufacturing. Our customer-first approach combines cutting-edge technologies, tailored process development, and global manufacturing capabilities to deliver high enantiopurity, regulatory compliance, and accelerated timelines.
What Does It Mean If a Drug Is Chiral?
A chiral drug contains molecules that exist in two mirror-image forms, called enantiomers. These enantiomers can have very different biological effects—one may be therapeutic, while the other could be inactive or even harmful. That’s why enantioselective synthesis (or chiral synthesis) is essential in modern drug development: it ensures that only the desired enantiomer is produced and delivered to patients.
- A chiral molecule is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, much like your left and right hands.
- These mirror-image forms are called enantiomers.
- In pharmaceuticals, only one enantiomer is often responsible for the desired therapeutic effect.
What Is Chiral Resolution?
Chiral resolution is the process of separating a racemic mixture (a 50:50 blend of enantiomers) into its individual enantiomers. This is critical when only one enantiomer is biologically active. At Evonik, we use advanced resolution techniques, including enzymatic and crystallization-based methods, to achieve >99% enantiomeric excess (ee) and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
Our Chiral Chemistry Capabilities
We develop and scale up chiral molecules using:
- Heterogeneous catalysis (e.g., hydrogenations)
- Chiral complex catalysis
- Reductive amination
- Hydrazone reduction
Performance highlights:
- 99% conversion
- 95% ee in reaction
- 99% ee after crystallization
- 90% isolated yield
Our global network of five production sites enables commercial-scale biocatalysis using a toolbox of 20+ enzymes. Applications include:
- L- and D-amino acids (hydantoinases)
- R- and S-alcohols (alcohol dehydrogenases)
- D- and L-serine (aldolases)
- L-tert-leucine (amino acid dehydrogenase)
- Chiral terminal epoxides
We offer scalable solutions for:
- Chiral alcohol production
- Chiral amine production via lipase-catalyzed resolution
Evonik applies all major approaches to chiral synthesis, ensuring flexibility and scalability:
- Chiral Pool Synthesis
Starts with readily available enantiopure substances (e.g., amino acids, sugars) and builds complex molecules through reactions with achiral reagents. Efficient and widely used. - Biocatalysis
Uses enzymes or live cells to introduce chirality or resolve racemic mixtures. Performed in aqueous media, making it a green and sustainable method. - Enantioselective Catalysis
Also known as asymmetric catalysis, this method uses chiral metal complexes to selectively produce one enantiomer. Ideal for industrial-scale synthesis. - Organocatalysis
Employs small organic molecules as catalysts. These are non-toxic, air- and water-stable, and effective for enantioselective synthesis without metals.
Real-World Results: Chiral Chemistry in Action
At Evonik, we don’t just offer capabilities—we deliver results. Our case studies demonstrate how our tailored chiral chemistry solutions help clients overcome complex development challenges, achieve regulatory-grade purity, and scale up with confidence.
CHALLENGE:
A pharmaceutical client needed a highly selective and scalable process for producing a chiral intermediate with stringent enantiopurity requirements.
OUR SOLUTION:
We developed a homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation process using an optimized ligand-metal system, fine-tuned catalyst loading, and precise reaction conditions.
RESULTS:
- > 99% conversion
- > 95% enantiomeric excess (ee) in reaction
- > 99% ee after product isolation via crystallization
- Robust scalability for commercial production
CUSTOMER IMPACT:
The client achieved faster regulatory approval and reduced development risk, thanks to our reproducible, high-purity process and seamless scale-up support.
CHALLENGE:
A customer required a cost-effective, sustainable route to produce L-beta-amino acids with high enantiopurity and yield.
OUR SOLUTION:
We applied our biocatalytic resolution platform, leveraging readily available starting materials and a broad substrate scope to develop a scalable enzymatic process.
RESULTS:
- > 90% isolated yield
- > 99% enantiomeric excess (ee)
- Commercial-scale production achieved
CUSTOMER IMPACT:
The client benefited from a CDMO partnership that delivered a green chemistry solution meeting both cost and quality targets—enabling rapid progression to late-stage development.
Why Partner with Evonik?
- 100+ chiral products developed and manufactured
- Expertise in natural and non-natural amino acids
- End-to-end support from screening to commercial production
- Proven track record in regulatory compliance and quality assurance
- A CDMO partner with flexible, scalable solutions tailored to your molecule and market
Let's talk about how we can support your chiral API
Our deep expertise, flexible manufacturing network, and proven track record in chiral synthesis and resolution help you move faster, reduce risk, and deliver with confidence. Contact our experts today.
ANY QUESTIONS LEFT? JUST CONTACT US.
"Exploring options for the development and manufacture of your cGMP small molecule drug substance or associated intermediates? Reach out and we'll help you make well informed choices as Evonik aims at getting clients practical solutions faster and easier."
Eric Neuffer
Head of Drug Substance Sales
