The paper will describe the chemical development of syntheses to key drug intermediates via asymmetric alkene and ketone hydrogenation. There are many facets to a successful synthesis including substrate selection (route of synthesis and final purity), chemical development of the catalytic step (control of enantioselectivity and reaction rate), purification and isolation of the product (isolation of product and removal of metal residues). The case studies will be used to highlight the criteria followed in the choice of the catalyst and some practical aspects of process development.