Efficient new supported catalyst for asymmetric reductions

Heterogeneous catalysis is important for fine chemistry, especially for the synthesis of optically active molecules. Here, we present a new supported catalyst: the oxazaborolidine immobilised on silica. These molecules are well known in homogeneous conditions and provide excellent activity and selectivity for the reduction of ketones. The problems of the separation of the catalyst and product and the difficult recovery of the catalyst lead us to heterogenize this system.