Asymmetric Catalysis from a Chinese Perspective

Abstract

Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenations of prochiral unsaturated compounds, such as olefins, ketones, and imines, have been intensively studied and are considered as a versatile method of the synthesis of chiral compounds due to atom economy and operational simplicity. Since 2002, we mainly focused on synthesis of new phosphorus ligands, asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroaromatic compounds and palladium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. Significant contribution was made in the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. In this chapter, we hope to share our experience and adventure in the development of chiral monophosphite ligands and phosphine-phosphoramidite ligands, asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroaromatic compounds, and the development of new homogeneous palladium catalytic hydrogenation system, which have a wide range of applications in synthesis of chiral compounds. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.