A chiral catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction while promoting the formation of a specific chiral product. Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, similar to how left and right hands are different. Chiral catalysts are essential in producing pharmaceuticals and other chemicals where the orientation of molecules can significantly affect their biological activity. These catalysts often contain metal complexes or organic compounds that create an environment favoring one chiral form over another. The use of chiral catalysts can lead to more efficient and selective reactions, reducing waste and improving yields in processes such as asymmetric synthesis, which is crucial in the development of drugs like penicillin and ibuprofen.