Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166 1018 WV, Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Fax: (+31)?20‐525‐5604 http://www.science.uva.nl/research/imc/HomKat/
Abstract:
H bonds make the catalysts! A single hydrogen bond between ligands coordinated to a rhodium center is critical for the formation of pure supramolecular catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. The ester group of the amidite ligand (see scheme) also forms a hydrogen bond with the coordinated substrate. Use of the heterocomplex afforded the highest enantioselectivity reported to date for the hydrogenation of several ester substrates.