Diastereoselective hydrogenation and kinetic resolution of imines using rhodium/diphosphine catalyzed hydrogenation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(00)82341-1

Kinetic resolution of racemic α-methylbenzyl amine can be achieved with 98% e.e. of the remaining amine at 70% conversion using the Rhodium/2S,4S-BDPP catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of imines. The same catalyst will hydrogenate optically pure α-methylbenzyl amines with a diastereoselectivity of up to 333:1.