Chapter 14 Supported Asymmetric Hydrogenation Catalysts

Abstract

This chapter discusses the supported asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts. Asymmetric catalysis is an efficient method of synthesis of optically active compounds from prochiral reactants. Transition metal complexes containing optically active ligands have proved to be useful asymmetric catalysts. The use of soluble homogeneous catalysts has the disadvantage that their solubility in the reaction medium makes difficult their separation from the product, their recovery and repeated use. The immobilization of homogeneous asymmetric catalysts can assist in the development of asymmetric catalysts. The homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts attached to organic polymers and inorganic supports are surveyed. Several types of immobilized catalysts have been reported that retain the stereoselectivity of their homogeneous analogues, metal leaching and other deactivation processes are an obstacle that has seldom been satisfactorily overcome. Much systematic study is needed to design supported asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts of industrial interest.