Book excerpt: This reference provides an introduction to the phenomenon of chirality and its importance in conjunction with biological activity and offers an easy-to-read examination of practical, industrially relevant methods for the synthesis of optically active compounds.;Furnishing hands-on guidelines for the development of economically viable synthetic compounds, Chirotechnology: explains optical isomerism and stereochemistry; gives a general overview of various methods of synthesis; supplies detailed explications of specific techniques, including fermentation, crystallization, the chirality pool, enzymatic methods, and catalytic asymmetric synthesis; illustrates and compares approaches with examples taken directly from industry such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavours, and fragrances; and clarifies the importance of determining which approach to use for the synthesis of particular molecules.;With over 1100 literature citations, tables and figures, Chirotechnology is a reference for chemical engineers; industrial, organic and medicinal chemists; and bioprocess technologists, as well as a text for upper-level undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students in these disciplines.