Effect of non-linear kinetics on the enantioselectivity in the H-transfer asymmetric homogeneous reduction of arylketones with a rhodium diamine catalyst

Non-linear kinetics in asymmetric catalytic reactions may lead to non-linear enantioselectivity. In the II-transfer asymmetric reduction of arylketones with isopropanol/acetone catalyzed by a rhodium diamine complex, this has been quantified and used in order to achieve a significant increase in enantiomeric excess upon addition of reagents as simple as acetone. The question of the generalization of such a non-linear kinetic approach of enantioselective catalytic processes is also addressed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.