title: Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of olefins for the synthesis of α- and β-amino acids.
abstract: The field of asymmetric (transfer) hydrogenation of prochiral olefins has been dominated by noble metal catalysts based on rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium. Herein we report that a simple nickel catalyst is highly active in the transfer hydrogenation using formic acid. Chiral α- and β-amino acid derivatives were obtained in good to excellent enantioselectivity. The key toward success was the use of the strongly donating and sterically demanding bisphosphine Binapine.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link 637371 (Singapore).
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Haiyan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Jianrong Steve
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000475:Alkenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000475:Alkenes; D000596:Amino Acids; D009532:Nickel; D006859:Hydrogen
keywords: amino acids; formic acid; hydride insertion; nickel; transfer hydrogenation