Highly enantioselective Ni-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of β,β-disubstituted acrylic acids

Abstract

A highly enantioselective Ni-catalyzed hydrogenation of β,β-disubstituted acrylic acids was first realized using Ph-BPE, providing straightforward access to chiral carboxylic acids in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities, up to 99% ee. The method was successfully applied to not only prepare chiral 3-substituted 1-indanones and chiral alcohols including 3-methyl-1-indanol bearing two chiral centers with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities, but also synthesize the significant intermediate for the oral nonsteroidal androgen receptor agonist pharmaceutical LG 121071.