Methods of Asymmetric Synthesis—Enantioselective Catalytic Hydrogenation

It is proposed that asymmetric syntheses be divided into enantioselective and diastereoselective syntheses. The enantioselective hydrogenations discussed in the present progress report were catalyzed by Raney nickel that had previously been treated with solutions of optically active compounds. Relationships exist between the enantioselectivity of the catalyst and the structure of the chiral compound used to modify it.