The Enantioface-differentiating Hydrogenation of the C=O Double Bond with Asymmetrically Modified Raney Nickel. XXXVIII. The Hydrogenation of Methyl Ketones to Optically Active Secondary Alcohols

Abstract

Abstract The enantioface-differentiating (asymmetric) hydrogenation of various methyl ketones (R–COCH3) was carried out over the Raney nickel catalyst modified with (R,R)-tartaric acid and sodium bromide. The presence of an appreciable amount of carboxylic acid in the reaction system was indispensable for a high optical yield. The highest optical yield (74%) was obtained in the hydrogenation of 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone in the presence of pivalic acid.