Chemoenzymatic synthesis of a novel ligand for rhodium-catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation

Abstract

The hydrogenation of alkenes 7a–g using a chiral rhodium catalyst 6 (based on a bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane framework) takes place to give the phenylalanine derivatives 8a–g with remarkably high stereoselectivity (59–92% ee).