Process for producing optically active alcohols

摘要

A process for producing an optically active alcohol represented by formula (I): <IMAGE> (I) wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 2 to 11 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having from 3 to 11 carbon atoms, an alkadienyl group having from 6 to 11 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl group, an cyclohexylmethyl group, or a cyclohexylethyl group, provided that the olefin in the alkenyl group or alkadienyl group is not conjugated to the olefin at the 2-position thereof; and * means an asymmetric carbon atom, is disclosed, comprising subjecting an olefinic alcohol represented by formula (II): <IMAGE> (II) wherein R1 is the same as defined above to asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of, as a catalyst, a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex. According to the process of the invention, the desired optically active alcohols which are useful not only as intermediates for the manufacture of perfumes and vitamin E but also as liquid crystal materials can be produced with high optical purities.