Progress in asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis: Design of novel chirally modified platinum metal catalysts

Heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis on chirally modified supported platinum catalysts has undergone significant development recently. Based on the knowledge pained on the mechanism of the asymmetric hydrogenation of alpha-ketoesters, catalyzed by platinum modified with cinchona alkaloids, new efficient chiral auxiliaries have been developed and the scope of reactants has been extended. The research strategy which led to this progress and the results achieved are reviewed.