Nickel‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Olefins for the Synthesis of α‐ and β‐Amino Acids |
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Authors: | Peng Yang Haiyan Xu Jianrong Zhou |
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Institution: | Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link 637371 (Singapore) |
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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. |
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Keywords: | amino acids hydride insertion formic acid nickel transfer hydrogenation |
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