ASYMMETRIC CATALYSIS

摘要

The present invention provides a coordinated complex catalyat useful in homogeneous reactions comprising a transition metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium, iridium and ruthenium in combination with from about 0.5 to about 2.0 moles per mole of metal of an optically active bis phosphine ligand charactcrized by the structural formula wherein A and B each independently represent substituted and unsubstituted alkyl of from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted cycloalkyl having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted aryl; provided that such substituents provide no significant interference with the steric requirements around the phosphorus atom and A and B are different. The catalyst may be employed in a process for catalytically asymmetrically hydrogenating a .beta.-substituted-.alpha.-acylamido-acrylic acid and/or its salts, esters or amides.