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

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 (I) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a urethane or sulphonyl group and R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R1, R2, R3 and 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.

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: A solid catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions is disclosed comprising a chiral cationic metal-ligand complex immobilised on a mesoporous alumino-silicate support. The catalyst is formed by ion exchange with the acid sites of the support. The catalyst is reusable, and maintains its activity after use.