Highly enantioselective hydrogenation of 1-alkylvinyl benzoates: A simple, nonenzymatic access to chiral 2-alkanols

Description

Going chiral! Highly enantioselective catalytic hydrogenations of enol esters 1 by using a Rh catalyst bearing a POP ligand are described (see scheme; NBD=norbornadiene). The catalytic system has a broad scope and allows the preparation of a wide range of chiral esters 2 bearing diverse alkyls or a benzyl group with high enantioselectivities. These esters can easily be converted in highly enantioenriched 2-alkanols.

Abstract

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación CTQ2009-11867, CTQ2010-14796, CSD2007-00006

Abstract

Junta de Andalucía 2008/ FQM-3830, 2009/FQM-4832

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