New mechanistic aspects of the asymmetric homogeneous hydrogenation of alkenes.
Progress in homogeneous catalysis depends upon an understanding of the reaction mechanism; in asymmetric catalysis this entails an insight into the origins of enantioselectivity. Significant advances have been made in the area of alkene reduction catalyzed by rhodium or ruthenium complexes, which has been in tandem with the development of new, more effective ligands for the reaction. The combination of quantum chemical calculations and direct spectroscopic observation of catalytic intermediates has proved powerful in this regard.
Brown
J M
JM
University of Oxford, Department of Chemistry, Dyson Perrins Laboratory, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK. john.brown@chem.ox.ac.uk
Giernoth
R
R