Devising methods and reagents for stereoselective synthesis is an intellectually demanding venture. Six experts on diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis contributed their papers to this volume. They were presented at a symposium on stereoselective synthesis to honour Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Rudolf Wiechert's achievements in medicinal chemistry research. The symposium was organized by the Schering AG on the occasion of Professor Wiechert's 65th birthday.

Steroids and Stereochemistry.- Enantioselective Catalysis with Chiral Metal Complexes.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Chiral C2-Symmetric Semicorrins.- 3. Analogues of Semicorrins: Aza-semicorrins and Bis (oxazolines).- 4. Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution.- References.- New Aspects in Stereoselective Synthesis of Aminoalcohols and Amino Acids.- 1. The 1-3 segment.- 2. The 6-Position.- 3. Position 9: Prolines.- 4. Position 6, 8 or others: BAZ.- 5. Conclusion.- References.- Enzymemimetic C-C and C-N Bond Formations.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Enzymemimetic C-C Bond Formations.- 3. Enzymemimetic C-N Bond Formations.- 4. Conclusion.- References.- Synthesis of Natural Products of Polyketide Origin, an Exemplary Case.- 1. Aims of Natural Product Synthesis, Changes over Time.- 2. New Methods for the Synthesis of Polyketide Derived Natural Products.- 3. Linear Synthesis of a Protected seco-Aacid of 9(S)-Dihydroerythronolide A.- 4. The Macrolactonization to 9(S)-Dihydroerythronolide A.- References.- Progress in the Diels/Alder Reaction Means Progress in Steroid Synthesis.- 1. Evaluation of the Diels/Alder Reaction: Cantharidin.- 2. Evaluation of the Diels/Alder Reaction: Norgestrel.- 3. Parerga.- References.