Asymmetric hydrogenation of an α-unsaturated carboxylic acid catalyzed by intact chiral transition metal carbonyl clusters-diastereomeric control of enantioselectivity
Twenty clusters of the general formula [(μ-H)2Ru3(μ3-S)(CO)7(μ-P-P∗)] (P-P∗ = chiral diphosphine of the ferrocene-based Walphos or Josiphos families) have been synthesised and characterised. The clusters have been tested as catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation of tiglic acid [trans-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid]. The observed enantioselectivities and conversion rates strongly support catalysis by int