Abstract: The present invention relates to olefin metathesis processes for the manufacture of a compound of the formula (I) which is a novel useful intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: Catalysts suitable for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions is described comprising the reaction product of a group (8) transition metal compound a chiral phosphine and a chiral diamine of formula (1) in which R1, R2 R3 or R4 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R5, R6, R7 or R8 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R1, R2, R3 or R4 is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.

Abstract: A substituted paracyclophane is described of formula (I) wherein X1 and X2 are linking groups comprising between 2 to 4 carbon atoms, Y1 and Y2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halide, oxygen, nitrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, Z1, Z2 and Z3 are substituting groups that optionally contain functional groups, a, b, c, d, e and f are 0 or 1 and a+b+c+d+e+f=1 to 6. Preferably X1 and X2 are —(C2H4)— and a+b+c+d+e+f=1 or 2. The substituted paracyclophane provides transition metal catalysts that demonstrate high activity and selectivity for asymmetric reactions.

Abstract: An immobilised nitrogen-containing ligand is described comprising the reaction product of a compound of formula (I) wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated C1-C10 alkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane group, a sulphonyl group or form an imine group, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated C1-C10 alkyl group or an aryl group and at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is functionalised with a functional group, and a solid support having a site capable of reacting with said functional group. The nitrogen-containing ligand is useful for preparing immobilised catalysts for performing e.g. asymmetric catalysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula (I) by catalytic enantioselective hydrogenation of the corresponding ketones. There are used inter alia ruthenium catalysts with chiral diamines and chiral biphosphines as ligands.

Abstract: A tethered ligand comprising the reaction product of an organofunctional silica and a ligand containing a functional group capable of reaction with said organofunctional silica, wherein the organofunctional silica is prepared from an alkyl silicate and an organofunctional silane is described. A supported catalyst is also described comprising additionally a source of catalytically-active metal. Methods for preparing the tethered ligand and supported catalyst are provided and uses of the supported catalyst for performing asymmetric reactions are claimed. The catalysts are readily separable from the reaction mixtures and may be re-used if desired.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel complexes, suitable in particular for use as catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones, of formula 1 or a diastereoisomer thereof, wherein each Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group of up to 20 atoms; X is halide or carboxylate; and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen, aryl or alkyl, optionally linked or part of a ring.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel complexes, suitable in particular for use as catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones, of formula 1 1