Metallorganocatalysis for asymmetric transformations

Abstract

A ligand having the structure or its enantiomer; (I) wherein: each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl; the bridge group is selected from CH.sub.2NH; *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,R); and the organocatalyst is an organic molecule catalyst covalently bound to the bridge group. Also, a catalyst having the structure or its enantiomer: (II) wherein: each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl; the bridge group is selected from CH.sub.2NH; *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,R); and *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,S); the organocatalyst is an organic molecule catalyst covalently bound to the bridge group; and M is selected from the group consisting of Rh, Pd, Cu, Ru, Ir, Ag, Au, Zn, Ni, Co, and Fe. ##STR00001##

Claims

1. A ligand selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formulae: ##STR00058## ##STR00059## ##STR00060## ##STR00061## ##STR00062## ##STR00063## ##STR00064## ##STR00065##

2. A ligand selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formulae: ##STR00066## ##STR00067## ##STR00068## wherein R in the moiety —PR.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl; 4-CH.sub.3-phenyl; 3,5-(CH.sub.3).sub.2-phenyl; 3,5-(t-butyl).sub.2-phenyl; 3,5-(CF.sub.3).sub.2-phenyl; 2-CH.sub.3-phenyl; C.sub.6F.sub.5; 2-naphthyl; 1-naphthyl; t-butyl; i-propyl; cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) This document describes ligands and catalysts prepared therefrom that provide unexpected improvements in conversion and selectivity in comparison with individual metal catalysts and organocatalysts by covalently bonding chiral bisphosphines with organocatalysts. Metal complexed with bisphosphine is a general catalyst and can lead many metal-catalyzed reactions with high turnovers. Organocatalysts activate substrates and influence selectivities. As used herein, the term “metallorganocatalysis” refers to catalysts and reactions catalyzed by a compound having a metal catalyst portion covalently bound to an organocatalyst portion. The high activity derived from the metal portion and high selectivity from the organocatalyst provide a useful approach in asymmetric catalysis.

(2) As employed above and throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

(3) The term “alkyl” refers to the radical of saturated aliphatic groups, including straight-chain alkyl groups and branched-chain alkyl groups. The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic mono or multicyclic ring system of about 3 to 7 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like.

(4) The term “aryl” refers to any functional group or substituent derived from a simple aromatic ring, be it phenyl, thienyl, indolyl, etc.

(5) Disclosed herein is a ligand having the structure or its enantiomer;

(6) ##STR00004##
wherein: each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl; the bridge group is selected from CH.sub.2NH; *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,R); and *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,S); and the organocatalyst is an organic molecule catalyst covalently bound to the bridge group.

(7) Each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d can be the same as or different from any of the other R groups. For example, in one embodiment, all of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d are the same aryl group. In another embodiment, each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is a different aryl group. In yet another embodiment, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are different aryl groups, while R.sub.c is an alkyl group and R.sub.d is a cycloalkyl group.

(8) Preferred aryl moieties for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include phenyl; P—CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-t-butyl phenyl; 3,5-di-CF.sub.3 phenyl; 2-CH.sub.3 phenyl; C.sub.6F.sub.5; 2-naphthyl; and 1-naphthyl. Preferred cycloalkyl moieties (e.g. “Cy”) for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl. Preferred alkyl moieties for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include t-butyl and i-propyl.

(9) The term “organocatalyst” as used herein includes organic molecules capable of catalyzing a reaction. Suitable organocatalysts contain at least one moiety that can be covalently bound to a bridge group in the ligand of structure (I) or the catalyst of structure (II). Preferred organocatalysts include a thiourea moiety that can be covalently bound to a bridge group. Exemplary organocatalysts include, but are not limited to, the following structures designated as OC1-OC25:

(10) ##STR00005## ##STR00006## ##STR00007## ##STR00008## ##STR00009##

(11) Preferred ligands are represented by the following formulas:

(12) ##STR00010## ##STR00011## ##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015## ##STR00016## ##STR00017## ##STR00018## ##STR00019## ##STR00020##

(13) Alternatively, the PPh.sub.2 group in any of the ligands listed above can be PR.sub.aR.sub.b or PR.sub.cR.sub.d, wherein each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl. Preferred aryl moieties for R include phenyl; P—CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-t-butyl phenyl; 3,5-di-CF.sub.3 phenyl; 2-CH.sub.3 phenyl; C.sub.6F.sub.5; 2-naphthyl; and 1-naphthyl. Preferred cycloalkyl moieties for R include cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl. Preferred alkyl moieties for R include t-butyl and i-propyl.

(14) Each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d can be the same as or different from any of the other R groups. For example, in one embodiment, all of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d are the same aryl group. In another embodiment, each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is a different aryl group. In yet another embodiment, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are different aryl groups, while R.sub.c is an alkyl group and R.sub.d is a cycloalkyl group.

(15) Also disclosed herein is a catalyst having the structure or its enantiomer:

(16) ##STR00021##
wherein: each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl; the bridge group is selected from CH.sub.2NH; *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,R); and *CH(CH.sub.3)NH(C*,S); and the organocatalyst is an organic molecule catalyst covalently bound to the bridge group. In one embodiment, the bridge group is part of the organocatalyst molecule, for example, a thiourea moiety for dual hydrogen bonding.

(17) Each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d can be the same as or different from any of the other R groups. For example, in one embodiment, all of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d are the same aryl group. In another embodiment, each one of R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d is a different aryl group. In yet another embodiment, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are different aryl groups, while R.sub.c is an alkyl group and R.sub.d is a cycloalkyl group.

(18) Preferred aryl moieties for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include phenyl; P—CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-CH.sub.3 phenyl; 3,5-di-t-butyl phenyl; 3,5-di-CF.sub.3 phenyl; 2-CH.sub.3 phenyl; C.sub.6F.sub.5; 2-naphthyl; and 1-naphthyl. Preferred cycloalkyl moieties for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl. Preferred alkyl moieties for R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c, and R.sub.d include t-butyl and i-propyl.

(19) The term “organocatalyst” as used herein includes organic molecules capable of catalyzing a reaction. Suitable organocatalysts contain at least one moiety that can be covalently bound to a bridge group in the ligand of structure (I) or the catalyst of structure (II). Preferred organocatalysts include a thiourea moiety that can be covalently bound to a bridge group. Exemplary organocatalysts include, but are not limited to those listed above.

(20) When a metal catalyst and an organocatalyst are linked through a covalent bond, cooperative interactions such as the following interaction modes offer high activities and selectivities.

(21) ##STR00022## ##STR00023## ##STR00024## ##STR00025##

(22) Exemplary methods for preparing the ligands and catalysts described herein are discussed in the Examples section.

(23) The catalysts disclosed herein are useful for a wide range of reactions, including, but not limited to, asymmetric hydrogenation, hydroformylation, aldol, Diels-Alder, hetereo Diels-Alder, Mannich, Michael addition, allylic alkylation, alkylation, Friedel-Crafts, ene, Baylis-Hillman, fluorination, and Henry reactions. In one embodiment depicted in the Examples, a method for the asymmetric hydrogenation of an alkene, imine, ketone, or thioketone to a corresponding alkane, amine, alcohol, or thiol is provided, which includes combining an alkene, imine, ketone, or thioketone in a suitable solvent with an excess of hydrogen gas and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst disclosed herein, and at a temperature and pressure effective to hydrogenate the alkene, imine, ketone or thioketone. In one embodiment, asymmetric hydrogenation of β,β-disubstituted nitroalkenes provided up to >99% conversion and 99% enantioselectivity.

(24) Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, polar organic solvents. An exemplary polar organic solvent includes, but is not limited to, isopropanol. A catalytically effective amount of a catalyst can be readily determined by one of skill in the art and includes amounts effective to convert an alkene, imine, or ketone to a corresponding chiral alkane, amine, or alcohol.

(25) The following non-limiting examples serves to further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLES

(26) Materials and Methods

(27) All reactions dealing with air- or moisture-sensitive compounds were carried out in a dry reaction vessel under a positive pressure of nitrogen or in a nitrogen-filled glovebox. Unless otherwise noted, all reagents and solvents were purchased from commercial suppliers without further purification. Anhydrous solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and transferred by syringe. Purification of products was carried out by chromatography using silica gel from ACROS (0.06-0.20 mm) and analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out using silica gel plates from Merck (GF254). [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2, [Rh(COD).sub.2]BF.sub.4 and [Rh(COD).sub.2]SbF.sub.6 were purchased from Heraeus. The HPLC solvents were purchase from Alfa (n-Hexane) and Sigma-Aldrich (2-Propanol).

(28) .sup.1H NMR, .sup.13C NMR and .sup.31P NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance (400 MHz) spectrometer with CDCl.sub.3 as the solvent and tetramethylsilane (TMS) as the internal standard. Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (ppm, δ scale) downfield from TMS at 0.00 ppm and referenced to the CDCl.sub.3 at 7.26 ppm (for .sup.1H NMR) or 77.0 ppm (for deuterochloroform). Data are reported as: multiplicity (s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, m=multiplet), coupling constant in hertz (Hz) and signal area integration in natural numbers. .sup.13C NMR and .sup.31P NMR analyses were run with decoupling.

(29) Enantiomeric excess values (“ee”) were determined by Daicel chiral column on an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC instrument or an Agilent 7980 Series GC instrument. New compounds were further characterized by high resolution mass spectra (HRMS) on a Waters Q-T of Ultima mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source (University of Illinois, SCS, Mass Spectrometry Lab). Optical rotations [α].sub.D were measured on a PERKINELMER polarimeter 343 instrument.

(30) All (E)-β,β-disubstituted nitroalkenes were prepared according the literature. (Li, S., et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 8573-8576). All N—H imines were prepared according to the literature. (Hou, G., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 9882-9883.) The absolute configuration of products were determined by comparison of analytical data with the literature (HPLC spectra, optical rotation). The absolute configuration of others were assigned by analogy.

Example 1—Synthesis of Ligands

(31) ##STR00026## ##STR00027##

(32) Ligands L1-L3 were prepared according the according the literature (Hayashi, T., et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1980, 53, 1138-1151) with a slight modification: column chromatography was performed using silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate for L1 and dichloromethane/methanol for L2) instead of alumina (hexane/benzene for L1 and ether/ethyl acetate for L2). All the spectral data are consistent with the literature values.

(33) Under an argon atmosphere, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (1.1 mmol) was added to a solution of L2 (1.0 mmol) in dry DCM (1.0 ml). After the reaction mixture was stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate=9/1 as eluant) gave L8 as yellow solid (640 mg, 74%). L8 was characterized as follows:

(34) ##STR00028##

(35) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.69 (s, 3H), 7.33-7.12 (m, 19H), 7.11-7.01 (m, 3H), 5.53 (s, 1H), 4.47 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.28 (s, 1H), 4.18 (t, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (s, 1H), 3.56 (s, 1H), 3.45 (s, 1H), 1.42 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 1H).

(36) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 178.37 (s), 139.18 (s), 138.94 (d, J=9.6 Hz), 138.82 (d, J=6.3 Hz), 138.04 (d, J=9.4 Hz), 135.55 (d, J=5.0 Hz), 134.68 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 133.71 (d, J=20.1 Hz), 133.01 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 132.20 (d, J=17.8 Hz), 129.58 (s), 128.97-127.94 (m), 124.48 (s), 124.31 (s), 121.60 (s), 119.16 (s), 95.36 (d, J=24.1 Hz), 77.63 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 75.34 (d, J=20.4 Hz), 74.16 (d, J=9.1 Hz), 73.84 (d, J=4.9 Hz), 73.37 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 73.10-72.50 (m), 71.97 (d, J=2.6 Hz), 50.87 (s), 21.86 (s).

(37) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −17.81 (s), −25.08 (s).

(38) [α].sub.D.sup.25=237.3° (c=0.30, CHCl.sub.3)

(39) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 869.1406. found 869.1401.

(40) ##STR00029##

(41) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.54 (s, 2H), 7.42-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.34-7.14 (m, 18H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 5.13-5.07 (m, 1H), 4.48 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 2H), 4.37 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.19 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (t, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (s, 1H), 3.57 (s, 1H), 1.46 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3H).

(42) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 152.34 (s), 140.51 (s), 140.39 (s), 138.90 (d, J=9.7 Hz), 138.14 (d, J=9.4 Hz), 135.89 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 134.92 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 133.60 (d, J=20.0 Hz), 133.06 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 132.44 (d, J=18.8 Hz), 131.76 (d, J=33.2 Hz), 129.39 (s), 128.72 (s), 128.62-127.96 (m), 124.55 (s), 121.84 (s), 118.11 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 115.21 (s), 95.11 (d, J=23.6 Hz), 77.19 (s), 75.78 (d, J=10.3 Hz), 75.36 (d, J=19.6 Hz), 74.33 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 73.42-71.18 (m), 73.11 (d, J=4.5 Hz), 71.67 (d, J=2.2 Hz), 71.24 (d, J=1.9 Hz), 45.48 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 20.65 (s).

(43) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 853.1635. found 853.1644.

(44) [α].sub.D.sup.25=262.1° (c=0.33, CHCl.sub.3).

(45) ##STR00030##

(46) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.44 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.11 (m, 24H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 5.46 (s, 1H), 4.60 (s, 1H), 4.57-3.52 (m, 4H), 3.56 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.04 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 3H).

(47) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 178.66 (s), 141.83 (s), 139.05 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 138.97 (s), 138.23 (d, J=9.6 Hz), 136.13 (d, J=7.2 Hz), 134.71 (d, J=21.0 Hz), 133.62 (d, J=20.1 Hz), 132.98 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 132.55 (d, J=18.6 Hz), 129.29 (s), 128.98-127.45 (m), 125.65 (s), 95.44 (d, J=23.6 Hz), 77.17 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 75.25 (d, J=19.9 Hz), 74.80 (d, J=10.3 Hz), 74.08 (d, J=4.5 Hz), 73.25 (d, J=9.0 Hz), 73.13 (s), 72.72 (d, J=4.3 Hz), 72.41 (s), 71.50 (d, J=2.6 Hz), 52.79 (s), 50.51 (s), 23.82 (s), 21.45 (s).

(48) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −17.66 (s), −25.81 (s).

(49) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 761.1972. found 761.1972.

(50) [α].sub.D.sup.25=343.5° (c=0.21, CHCl.sub.3).

(51) ##STR00031##

(52) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.21 (t, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.25-6.92 (m, 23H), 5.51-5.41 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.29 (s, 1H), 4.17 (s, 1H), 3.70 (s, 1H), 3.40 (s, 1H), 3.09 (s, 1H), 2.42 (s, 6H), 1.24 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

(53) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 178.51 (s), 140.22 (s), 139.32 (d, J=9.9 Hz), 138.56 (d, J=5.4 Hz), 138.03 (d, J=9.7 Hz), 135.93 (s), 134.64 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 133.84 (d, J=20.4 Hz), 132.76 (d, J=18.9 Hz), 132.08 (d, J=17.5 Hz), 129.27 (d, J=17.7 Hz), 128.67 (s), 128.29-127.92 (m), 96.88 (d, J=24.1 Hz), 75.39 (d, J=22.6 Hz), 73.95 (d, J=5.3 Hz), 73.65 (d, J=5.6 Hz), 72.98 (d, J=6.8 Hz), 72.81 (s), 72.56 (d, J=3.7 Hz), 72.16 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 51.84 (s), 24.43 (s), 21.48 (s).

(54) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −17.61 (s), −25.96 (s).

(55) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 761.1972. found 761.1964.

(56) [α].sub.D.sup.25=−219.9° (c=0.22, CHCl.sub.3)

(57) ##STR00032##

(58) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.22 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.71-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.13 (m, 18H), 7.08-7.02 (m, 4H), 5.56-5.46 (m, 1H), 4.45 (s, 1H), 4.32 (s, 1H), 4.25 (s, 1H), 4.17 (t, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (s, 1H), 3.50 (s, 1H), 3.26 (s, 1H), 1.33 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H).

(59) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 178.11 (s), 139.79 (s), 139.14 (d, J=9.8 Hz), 138.63 (d, J=5.5 Hz), 137.96 (d, J=9.4 Hz), 135.58 (d, J=4.5 Hz), 134.68 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 133.81 (d, J=20.3 Hz), 132.83 (d, J=18.9 Hz), 132.22 (s), 130.27-129.77 (m), 128.78 (s), 128.66-128.01 (m), 127.27 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 125.01 (s), 95.87 (d, J=24.2 Hz), 77.59 (d, J=8.6 Hz), 75.42 (d, J=22.0 Hz), 73.63 (d, J=5.2 Hz), 73.14 (d, J=7.2 Hz), 72.83 (s), 72.08 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 51.60 (s), 23.10 (s).

(60) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −17.85 (s), −26.34 (s).

(61) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 801.1532. found 801.1538.

(62) [α].sub.D.sup.25=−239.5° (c=0.30, CHCl.sub.3)

(63) Ligands L9-L14 were prepared according the according the literature (Zhao, Q., et al., Org. Lett. 2013, 15, 4014-4017).

(64) ##STR00033## ##STR00034##

(65) Ligands L15-L17 were synthesized as follows:

(66) ##STR00035##

(67) SI2 was prepared according the according the literature (Zhao, Q., et al., Org. Lett. 2013, 15, 4014-4017). SI3 was prepared according the according the literature (Gotov, B., et al., New J. Chem. 2000, 24, 597-602). Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (1.1 mmol) as added to a solution of SI3 (1.0 mmol) in dry DCM (1.0 ml). After the reaction mixture was stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate=9/1 as eluant) gave L15 as yellow solid.

(68) L15: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.65 (s, 2H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.35-7.07 (m, 18H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 4.53 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (d, J=15.6 Hz, 3H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3H).

(69) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 180.28 (s), 141.45 (s), 138.82 (d, J=9.8 Hz), 138.30 (d, J=9.8 Hz), 135.78 (d, J=7.7 Hz), 134.88 (d, J=21.3 Hz), 133.42 (dd, J=33.4, 19.7 Hz), 132.53 (d, J=19.5 Hz), 131.28 (q, J=33.4 Hz), 129.43 (s), 129.01-128.44 (m), 128.28 (d, J=6.8 Hz), 128.16 (s), 124.61 (s), 123.89 (s), 121.90 (s), 117.57 (s), 93.41 (d, J=26.4 Hz), 75.47 (d, J=18.1 Hz), 74.42 (s), 73.56 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 73.40 (d, J=4.6 Hz), 72.18 (s), 71.75 (s), 54.83 (d, J=7.7 Hz), 31.93 (s), 15.64 (s).

(70) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −18.09 (s), −26.79 (s).

(71) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 883.1485. found 883.1583.

(72) SI4 was prepared according the according the literature (Zhao, Q., et al., Org. Lett. 2013, 15, 4014-4017). Under an nitrogen atmosphere, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (1.1 mmol) was added to a solution of SI4 (1.0 mmol) in dry DCM (1.0 ml). After the reaction mixture was stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate=9/1 as eluant) gave L16 as yellow solid.

(73) L16: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=10.5 Hz, 3H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 5.30 (s, 1H), 4.26-4.15 (m, 3H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 4H), 1.60 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H).

(74) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 179.16 (s), 138.72 (s), 133.43 (d, J=33.7 Hz), 124.42 (s), 124.07 (s), 121.36 (s), 119.84 (s), 90.06 (s), 68.59 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 68.27 (s), 67.41 (s), 65.57 (s), 50.14 (s), 19.99 (s). HRMS (ESI): [M.sup.+] Calc. 500.0444. found 500.0452.

(75) SI5 was prepared according the according the literature (Zhao, Q., et al., Org. Lett. 2013, 15, 4014-4017 and Hayashi, T., et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 1980, 53, 1138-1151). Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (1.1 mmol) was added to a solution of SI5 (1.0 mmol) in dry DCM (1.0 ml). After the reaction mixture was stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate=9/1 as eluant) gave L17 as yellow solid.

(76) L17: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.74 (s, 3H), 7.51 (s, 2H), 7.40-7.28 (m, 5M), 7.22 (s, 3H), 7.15-7.05 (m, 2H), 5.59 (s, 1H) 4.51 (s, 1H), 4.32 (s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 5H), 3.79 (s, 1H), 1.46 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 3H).

(77) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 177.42 (s), 138.02 (s), 137.86 (d, J=6.0 Hz), 134.85 (d, J=4.5 Hz), 133.73 (d, J=20.8 Hz), 131.89 (d, J=33.9 Hz), 131.25 (d, J=17.8 Hz), 128.51 (s), 127.43-127.02 (m), 126.10-125.89 (m), 123.82 (s), 123.27 (s), 120.56 (s), 118.42 (s), 118.01-117.76 (m), 93.98 (d, J=24.2 Hz), 72.16 (s), 71.07 (d, J=4.0 Hz), 70.22 (s), 68.83 (s), 68.66 (s), 50.33 (s), 21.26 (s).

(78) .sup.31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −24.67 (s).

(79) HRMS (ESI): [M+H.sup.+] Calc. 685.0964. found 685.0950.

Example 2—Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Nitroalkenes

(80) ##STR00036##

(81) In a nitrogen-filled glovebox, a solution of L (2.2 eqv.) and [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 (3.0 mg, 0.006 mmol) in 3.0 mL anhydrous i-PrOH was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. A specified amount of the resulting solution (0.25 mL) was transferred to a vial charged with 1a (0.1 mmol) by syringe. The vials were transferred to an autoclave, which was then charged with 5 atm of H.sub.2 and stirred at 35° C. for 24 h. The hydrogen gas was released slowly and the solution was concentrated and passed through a short column of silica gel to remove the metal complex. The product (2a) was analyzed by NMR spectroscopy for conversion and chiral HPLC for ee values.

(82) (R)-2a: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δδ 7.38-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 3H), 4.58-4.46 (m, 1H), 3.85-3.16 (m, 1H), 1.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 140.93 (s), 128.98 (s), 127.57 (s), 126.90 (s), 81.87 (s), 38.65 (s), 18.73 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=19.4 min, t.sub.R (minor)=27.4 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+41.4° (c=0.67, CHCl.sub.3).

(83) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Study of effects of pressure, concentration, and temperature..sup.a Entry Solvent Rh-L8 H.sub.2 [atm] S/C V (mL) T [° C.] 2a [%].sup.b ee [%].sup.c 1 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 50 0.25 25 >99 99 2 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 100 0.25 35 >99 99 3 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 200 0.25 35 97 98 4 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 400 0.25 35 90 98 5 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 10 200 0.25 35 97 99 6 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 20 200 0.25 35 >99 98 7 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 20 400 0.25 35 95 98 8 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 30 400 0.25 35 98 98 9 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 100 0.5 35 99 98 10 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 100 1.0 35 97 98 11 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 5 400 0.25 45 90 94 .sup.aUnless ortherwise mentioned, reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a 1a/Rh/L ratio of 1/1.1/1.1. .sup.bConversions were determined by .sup.1H NMR spectroscopy of the crude reaction mixture and HPLC analysis. .sup.cDetermined by HPLC analysis on a chiral stationary phase.

(84) β,β-disubstituted nitroalkanes were prepared using the general procedure set forth above with different nitroalkenes. Nitroalkenes with various substituents at the phenyl ring were tolerated. Meta and para substitutions led to excellent results whether they were electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups. The ortho-methoxy group resulted in a lower conversion and enantioselectivity. This catalytic system also provided enantiomerically β-ethyl nitroalkane with good conversion and excellent enantioselectivity. The nitroalkanes were characterized as follows:

(85) ##STR00037##

(86) (R)-2b: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.39-6.86 (m, 5H), 4.47-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.47-3.49 (m, 1H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.28 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 137.87 (s), 137.21 (s), 129.61 (s), 126.73 (s), 81.98 (s), 38.27 (s), 20.98 (s), 18.75 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=14.1 min, t.sub.R (minor)=23.0 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+42.9° (c=0.51, CHCl.sub.3)

(87) ##STR00038##

(88) (R)-2c: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.19-7.11 (m, 2H), 6.96-6.84 (m, 2H), 4.52-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.66-3.54 (m, 1H), 1.35 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 158.94 (s), 132.86 (s), 127.89 (s), 114.34 (s), 82.12 (s), 55.26 (s), 37.92 (s), 18.79 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=22.1 min, t.sub.R (minor)=40.6 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+35.8° (c=0.51, CHCl.sub.3)

(89) ##STR00039##

(90) (R)-2d: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.37-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.12 (m, 2H), 4.63-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.48 (m, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 139.35 (s), 133.43 (s), 129.15 (s), 128.27 (s), 81.56 (s), 38.07 (s), 18.71 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=18.8 mm, t.sub.R (minor)=27.1 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+39.5° (c=0.48, CHCl.sub.3)

(91) ##STR00040##

(92) (R)-2e: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.18-7.13 (m, 4H), 4.56-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.70-3.48 (m, 1H), 2.63 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.22 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 143.58 (s), 138.10 (s), 128.43 (s), 126.83 (s), 82.01 (s), 38.30 (s), 28.42 (s), 18.75 (s), 15.42 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=11.8 min, t.sub.R (minor)=19.9 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+54.3° (c=0.44, CHCl.sub.3).

(93) ##STR00041##

(94) (R)-2f: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.37-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.12 (m, 2H), 4.56-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.69-3.51 (m, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.30 (s, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 150.47 (s), 137.79 (s), 126.55 (s), 125.84 (s), 81.97 (s), 38.13 (s), 34.47 (s), 31.29 (s), 18.67 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=9.7 min, t.sub.R (minor)=18.4 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+41.8° (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3)

(95) ##STR00042##

(96) (R)-2g: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.30-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J=7.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.96-6.88 (m, 2H), 4.68 (dd, J=11.9, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (dd, J=11.9, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.97-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 1.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 157.06 (s), 128.82 (s), 128.51 (s), 127.71 (s), 120.86 (s), 110.83 (s), 80.45 (s), 55.34 (s), 33.48 (s), 17.05 (s). HPLC: OD, 21.5 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=14.4 min, t.sub.R (minor)=17.0 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+6.9 (c=0.2, CHCl.sub.3).

(97) ##STR00043##

(98) (R)-2h: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.35-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.05-6.87 (m, 1H), 4.57-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.69-3.62 (m, 1H), 1.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 164.33 (s), 161.88 (s), 143.46 (d, J=7.0 Hz), 130.57 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 122.65 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 114.59 (d, J=21.0 Hz), 113.96 (d, J=21.8 Hz), 81.51 (s), 38.37 (d, J=1.6 Hz), 18.67 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=20.0 min, t.sub.R (minor)=28.4 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+33.3° (c=0.72, CHCl.sub.3).

(99) ##STR00044##

(100) (R)-2i: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.31-7.21 (m, 3H), 7.12-7.10 (m, 1H), 4.56-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.70-3.55 (m, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 142.94 (s), 134.83 (s), 130.26 (s), 127.84 (s), 127.17 (s), 125.18 (s), 81.41 (s), 38.33 (s), 18.65 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=19.8 min, t.sub.R (minor)=30.5 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+37.1° (c=0.58, CHCl.sub.3)

(101) ##STR00045##

(102) (R)-2j: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.26 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.96-6.68 (m, 3H), 4.57-4.44 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.66-3.54 (m, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 160.00 (s), 142.54 (s), 130.01 (s), 119.11 (s), 113.10 (s), 112.55 (s), 81.79 (s), 77.34 (s), 77.03 (s), 76.71 (s), 55.23 (s), 38.66 (s), 18.70 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=95:5, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=29.3 min, t.sub.R (minor)=52.2 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+40.6° (c=0.73, CHCl.sub.3)

(103) ##STR00046##

(104) (R)-2k: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.08-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.67 (d, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.67-4.54 (m, 2H), 4.02-3.55 (m, 1H), 1.47 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 138.29, 133.52, 132.78, 128.85, 127.76, 127.69, 126.44, 126.08, 125.78, 124.81, 81.80, 38.80, 18.79. HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=80:20, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=19.8 min, t.sub.R (minor)=53.5 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+36.8° (c=0.9, CHCl.sub.3)

(105) ##STR00047##

(106) (R)-2l: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.39-7.23 (m, 3H), 7.21-7.10 (m, 2H), 4.59-4.51 (m, 2H), 3.54-3.11 (m, 1H), 1.79-1.66 (m, 2H), 0.84 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 139.33, 128.89, 127.56, 80.76, 46.00, 26.18, 11.49. HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=98:2, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=16.0 min, t.sub.R (minor)=27.7 min. [α].sub.D.sup.25=+35.5° (c=0.54, CHCl.sub.3)

(107) ##STR00048##

(108) (S)-2m: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 6.26-6.23 (m, 1H), 6.05 (d, J=3.1 Hz, 1H), 4.59 (dd, J=12.2, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (dd, J=12.2, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.72-3.60 (m, 1H), 1.31 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 152.85 (s), 141.08 (s), 109.27 (s), 104.92 (s), 78.49 (s), 31.41 (s), 15.12 (s). HPLC: OD, 215 nm, hexane/2-propanol=99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.9 mL/min, t.sub.R (major)=27.5 min, t.sub.R (minor)=30.7 min.

Example 3—Asymmetric Hydrogenation of N—H Imines

(109) All N—H imines were prepared according the literature (Hou, G., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 9882-9883.). All the spectral data are consistent with the literature values.

(110) ##STR00049##

(111) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 11.46 (s, 2H), 8.20-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.78 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (dd, J=17.7, 9.6 Hz, 2H), 2.94 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 3H).

(112) .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 186.36 (s), 136.95 (s), 129.92 (s), 129.35 (s), 129.33 (s), 21.73 (s).

(113) General Procedure:

(114) ##STR00050##

(115) In a nitrogen-filled glovebox a solution of L14 (2.2 eqv.) and [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 (3.0 mg, 0.006 mmol) in 6.0 mL anhydrous i-PrOH was stirred at room temperature for 30 min.

(116) ##STR00051##
A specified amount of the resulting solution (1 mL) was transferred to a vial charged with 1a (0.1 mmol) by syringe. The vials were transferred to an autoclave, which was then charged with 10 atm of H.sub.2 and stirred at 25° C. for 24 h. The resulting mixture was concentrated under vacuum and dissolved in saturated aqueous NaHCO.sub.3 (5 mL). After stirring for 10 min, the mixture was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3×2 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. To the resulting solution was added Ac.sub.2O (300 μL) and stirred for 30 min. The resulting solution was then analyzed for conversion and ee directly by GC. The product was purified by chromatography on silica gel column with dichloromethane/methanol (90:10). All spectral data were consistent with the literature values (Hou. G., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 9882-9883).

(117) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Study of metal salts. H.sub.2 Conv. ee Entry Solvent Metal [atm] S/C V [mL] T [° C.] [%].sup.b [%].sup.c 1 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 20 25 1 35 99 92 2 i-PrOH [Ir(COD)Cl].sub.2 20 25 1 35 90 84 3 i-PrOH Rh(COD).sub.2BF.sub.4 20 25 1 35 93 77 4 i-PrOH Rh(NBD).sub.2SbF.sub.6 20 25 1 35 95 17 5 i-PrOH Pd(OAc).sub.2 20 25 1 35 <1 ND 6 i-PrOH Pd(TFA).sub.2 20 25 1 35 30  0 7 i-PrOH [{RuCl.sub.2(p-cymene)}.sub.2] 20 25 1 35 8 23 [a] Unless ortherwise mentioned, reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a Metal/L14 ratio of 1/1.1. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides. ND = not determined.

(118) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Study of pressure and temperature. Conv. Entry Solvent H.sub.2 [atm] S/C V (mL) T [° C.] [%].sup.b ee [%].sup.c 1 i-PrOH 20 25 1 35 99 92 2 i-PrOH 20 50 1 35 99 93 3 i-PrOH 20 100 1 35 99 93 4 i-PrOH 10 100 1 25 99 94 5 i-PrOH 10 200 1 25 96 94 6 i-PrOH 10 400 1 25 86 93 7 i-PrOH 20 200 1 25 97 93 8 i-PrOH 20 200 1 35 97 92 9 i-PrOH 20 400 1 35 90 93 [a] Reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2/L14 ratio of 1/1.1. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides.

(119) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Study of additives. H.sub.2 Conv. Entry Solvent [atm] S/C Additive T [° C.] [%].sup.b ee [%].sup.b 1 i-PrOH 20 50 4A MS 35 67 53 (100 mg) 2 i-PrOH 20 50 CF.sub.3COOH 35 99 75 (10 mmol %) 3 i-PrOH 20 50 CH.sub.3COOH 35 98 79 (10 mmol %) 4 i-PrOH 20 50 Et.sub.3N 35 63 35 (10 mmol %) [a] Reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2/L14 ratio of 1/2.2. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides.

(120) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Solvent study. Entry Solvent Metal source Covn..sup.b(%) ee.sup.b(%) 1 i-PrOH [Rh(COD).sub.2]BF.sub.4 93 77 2 i-PrOH [Rh(NBD).sub.2]SbF.sub.6 95 47 3 i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 99 92 4 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 91 30 5 Toluene [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 60 15 6 THF [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 76 60 7 MeOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 99 73 8 EtOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 92 89 9 t-BuOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 84 91 10.sup.c  i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 99 93 11.sup.d  i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 99 94 12.sup.e  i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 96 94 11.sup.f  i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 97 93 14.sup.g  i-PrOH [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 97 92 .sup.a Unless otherwise mentioned, reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a Rh/L/1a ratio of 1/1.1/25 in 1.0 mL solvent at 35° C. under 20 atm H.sub.2. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides. .sup.cS/C = 100, 35° C., 20 atm H.sub.2. .sup.dS/C = 100, 25° C., 10 atm H.sub.2. .sup.eS/C = 100, 25° C., 10 atm H.sub.2. .sup.fS/C = 200, 25° C., 20 atm H.sub.2. .sup.gS/C = 200, 35° C., 20 atm H.sub.2. COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, NBD = 2,5-norbornadiene.

(121) A variety of N—H imines were tested. Most substrates with meta and para substitutions on the phenyl ring afforded high yields and enantioselectivities (96-99% yield and 90-94% ee).

(122) ##STR00052## ##STR00053##

(123) However, the chloro group and methoxy group resulted in an obvious decrease of the yields (2d, 2e and 2g). The ortho-methoxy group on the phenyl ring resulted in 34% yield and 84% ee (2h). Products with 1- and 2-naphthyl group were obtained with 92% ee and 93% ee respectively. Changing the R.sub.2 group had a significant effect on the outcome. When R.sub.2 was ethyl, both lower conversion and enantioselectivity were observed (2k). As the R.sub.2 group was changed to butyl, further loss of the conversion and enantioselectivity was observed (70% yield and 75% ee, 2l).

(124) To obtain insight into this catalytic system, a series of chiral ligands were prepared and control experiments were undertaken.

(125) ##STR00054## ##STR00055##

(126) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Ligand study. Entry Ligands Covn..sup.b(%).sup.b ee.sup.b(%) 1 L1 2 55 2 L2 22 66 3 L3 6 11 4 L4 72 87 5 L5 76 90 6 L6 99 94 7 L7 26 38 8 L8 2 11 9 L9 9 84 10.sup.c  L8 5 8 11.sup.d  L1 9 57 .sup.a Unless otherwise mentioned, reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a Rh/L/1a ratio of 1/1.1/100 in 1.0 mL solvent at 25° C. under 10 atm H.sub.2. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides. .sup.cRh/L/1a/Ph.sub.3P = 1/1.1/100/2.2. .sup.dRh/L/1a/thiourea = 1/1.1/100/1.1.

(127) The Rh-bisphosphine complex without a (thio)urea (L9) showed very low activity and enantioselectivity (Table 6, entry 1). Urea L10 provided 22% conversion and 66% ee in sharp contrast with the more acidic thiourea L14 (Table 6, entry 2 vs. 6)..sup.1a The CF.sub.3 group on the 3,5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl moiety remained important in the catalytic system (Table 6, entries 3-5). Further, several modified ligands were prepared and screened. An N-methylation of L14 led to a dramatic decrease of the conversion and enantioselectivity (Table 6, entry 7). This finding suggested that the NH was involved in the activation of iminium salts and the stereoselectivity of hydrogenation. Furthermore, the low conversion and enantioselectivity obtained with monodentate phosphorus ligands implied that a bisphosphine moiety was essential (Table 6, entry 9). Importantly, neither the combination of the chiral phosphine with the 3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl thiourea, nor the combination of the chiral thiourea with the simple phosphine improved this reaction (Table 6, entry 1 vs. 11, entry 8 vs. 10), which pointed to the importance of the covalent linker for high activity and enantioselectivity.

(128) Different counterions and additives were also investigated. When the chloride counterion in 1a was replaced with trifluoromethanesulfonate, only 20% conversion and 53% ee was observed (Table 7, entry 1). The addition of a chloride counterion increased the conversions and enantioselectivities (entries 2 and 3). However, the addition of bromide and iodide counterions decreased the conversions and enantioselectivities (entries 4-6).

(129) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 3 Substrates study and control experiments..sup.a Entry 1 Additive Conv..sup.b(%) ee.sup.b(%) 1 1m — 20 53 2 1m TBAC 86 94 3 1m LiCl 71 93 4 1a — 99 94 5 1a TBAB 77 90 6 1a TBAI 32 89 .sup.aUnless otherwise mentioned, reactions were performed with 1a (0.1 mmol) and a Rh/L/1a/Additive ratio of 1/1.1/100/100 in 1.0 mL solvent. .sup.bDetermined by GC analysis of the corresponding acetamides. .sup.cDetermined by .sup.1H NMR. TBAC = tetrabutylammonium chloride, TBAB = tetrabutylammonium bromide, TBAI = tetrabutylammonium iodide. ND = not detertimined.

(130) Further information about the reaction was obtained by .sup.1H NMR studies of mixtures generated from ligands and TBAC. The addition of varying amounts of TBAC to L14 in CDCl.sub.3 resulted in downfield shifts of the NH proton signals. At 1.0 equivalents of TBAC, the signal for NH was at 9.73 ppm, but when 3.0 equivalents of TBAC were added, the NH signal appeared at 10.16 ppm. Analogous experiments employing a series of different ligands and TBAC gave similar results. This finding was consistent with a hydrogen-bonding interaction between the catalyst's thiourea and chloride ions. This observation, coupled with the fact that optimal yields and ee values involve chloride ions, led us to propose that catalytic chloride-bound intermediates are involved in the mechanism.

(131) The present invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments. It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions and examples are only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications thereof can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall with the scope of the appended claims.