Efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of α-acetamidocinnamates through a simple, readily available monodentate chiral H-phosphinate.

Abstract

An air-stable, simple (R(P))-mentylbenzylphosphinate, readily available in large quantities, can efficiently induce the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-acetamidocinnamates with high enantioselectivity (up to 99.6% ee). Intramolecular hydrogen bonding plays an important role in this asymmetric induction.