Synthesis 2007(14): 2233-2235
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966068
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966068
PSP
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New YorkCopper Hydride Catalyzed Enantioselective Conjugate Reduction of Unsaturated Nitriles
Further Information
Received
14 February 2007
Publication Date:
11 May 2007 (eFirst)
Publication History
Publication Date:
11 May 2007 (eFirst)

Abstract
α,β-Unsaturated nitriles were reduced with high levels of enantioselectivity via copper hydride catalysis. In this procedure, bench-top stable copper(II) acetate and Josiphos ligand are used as the chiral catalyst and an inexpensive hydrosilane, polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) is employed as the stoichiometric reducing agent. While the reactions are conducted at 0 °C in most cases, they also can be conducted at room temperature at enhanced rates with no significant drop in enantiomeric excess.
Key words
asymmetric catalysis - copper hydride - hydrosilanes - reduction - α,β-unsaturated nitriles