This article briefly reviews the application of (S)-α,α-diphenylprolinol and its derivatives in catalyzed asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones. The high yields and enantiomeric excess values indicate that they are excellent catalysts in the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones.

Key words: asymmetric catalysis, prochiral ketones, asymmetric reduction, (S)-α,α-diphenylprolinol