Asymmetric synthesis is a chemical process used to create molecules that have a specific three-dimensional arrangement, known as chirality. This is important because many biological molecules, such as amino acids and sugars, exist in two mirror-image forms, or enantiomers, which can have different effects in biological systems. Asymmetric synthesis allows chemists to produce one enantiomer preferentially over the other, leading to more effective and targeted drugs. This technique often employs chiral catalysts or reagents that influence the reaction pathway, ensuring that the desired enantiomer is formed. Asymmetric synthesis is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, where the effectiveness and safety of a drug can depend on its specific chiral form.