Abstract: A process for producing an enantiomerically enriched compound of Formula I: where the R-configuration, or S-configuration at the stereogenic center is marked with an *; by hydrogenating an enamide of formula III: in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from rhodium or iridium, complexed to a chiral diphosphine ligand; Ar is optionally substituted phenyl; Z is OR1, SR1 or NR1R2; and P is R3, OR3 or NR3R4; R1 and R2 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, C5-12 cycloalkyl, aryl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom form a C4-7-membered heterocyclic ring optionally fused with a 5- to 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; and R3 and R4 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, aryl, C5-12 cycloalkyl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom form a C4-7-membered heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A process for producing an enantiomerically enriched, pure or enriched and essentially pure compound of Formula I: wherein the R-, or S-configuration at the stereogenic center is marked with an *; which process hydrogenates an enamide compound of formula III: in an organic solvent in the presence of a transition metal precursor complexed to a chiral phosphine ligand catalyst; wherein Ar is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted; Z is OR1, SR1 and NR1R2; and P is R3, OR3, and NR3R4; R1 and R2 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, C5-12 cycloalkyl, aryl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a C4-7-member heterocyclic ring system optionally fused with a 5- to 6-member carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; and R3 and R4 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, aryl, C5-12 cycloalkyl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a C4-7-member heterocyclic ring system.