ABSTRACT
The asymmetric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with ruthenium BINAP catalysts was examined. The dichloro catalyst complex in particular gives 80% ee’s with 2-methyl-2-hexenoic acid. A comparison of the kinetics of this catalyst complex with that of the dicarboxylate complex as reported by Halpern will be discussed for a variety of reaction conditions.
