Enantioselective synthesis of β-amino acids based on BINAP-ruthenium(II) catalyzed hydrogenation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(00)86107-8

BINAP-Ru(II) catalyzed hydrogenation of β-substituted (E)-β-(acylamino)acrylic acids allows efficient enantioselective synthesis of β-amino acids. The Z double bond isomers which possess an intramolecular hydrogen bond between amide and ester groups are more reactive but are hydrogenated with poor enantioselectivity. BINAP-Rh(I) complexes afford only moderate stereoselectivity with the opposite sense of enantioselection.