What does DKR mean in PHYSICS

Dynamic Kinetic Resolution (DKR) is a process used in organic synthesis where one enantiomer of a racemic compound undergoes chemical resolution to form two separate enantiomers.

In DKR, a chiral catalytic agent can selectively bind with one of the two enantiomers present in the mixed substrate, forming an intermediate or complex via an asymmetric reaction. This selective binding can result in preferential formation of the product that binds better with the catalyst over the other.

The advantages of DKR include improved yields and selectivity compared to traditional methods such as classical kinetic resolutions and chromatographic separations. It also decreases the number of steps required for typical syntheses, resulting in simpler and more efficient processes.

Substrates suitable for DKR include racemic carboxylic acids and ammonium salts, amines, amino acids, lactones and lactams, alcohols, esters and ethers.

There are some limitations associated with using DKR for certain types of substrates due to steric hindrance or reaction conditions only favoring one particular side-reaction pathway over another. Additionally, certain reactive functional groups may interfere with the desired reaction leading to undesired side products or low yields due to competing pathways.