Rh(I)/DpenPhos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of enol esters and potassium (E)-3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoate

Rh(I) complexes of a class of modular chiral monodentate phosphoramidites were highly efficient for the asymmetric hydrogenation of enol esters bearing α-aryl or α-alkyl groups, to afford the corresponding hydrogenation products in high enantioselectivities (87–95% ee) and reactivities (turnover number up to 10,000). These ligands were also shown to be effective in Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of the potassium salt of (E)-3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoate, to give the corresponding product (a precursor to CI-1008) with up to 95% ee and complete conversion of substrate.