Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to novel derivatives of naturally occurring humulones and lupulones, methods of making them, compositions comprising them, and methods for using them.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hop acid mixture having an enantiomeric excess of a (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid is disclosed. In the method, a racemate of a tetrahydro-?-acid is contacted with an amine to form a precipitate having an enantiomeric excess of the (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid. A method for preparing a hop acid is also disclosed. In the method, a racemate of a tetrahydro-?-acid is contacted with an amine to form a precipitate comprising a (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid, and the (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid is isomerized to a hop acid selected from the group consisting of (+)-trans-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (?)-cis-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, and mixtures thereof, and reduced to (+)-trans-hexahydroiso-?-acids and (?)-cis-hexahydroiso-?-acids. An additive for flavoring a malt beverage is also disclosed. The additive includes a bittering agent selected from the group consisting of (+)-trans-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (?)-cis-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (+)-trans-hexahydroiso-?-acids, (?)-cis-hexahydroiso-?-acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to octahydro-binaphthol derivatives, which can recognize amino acids and amino alcohols enantioselectively and transform L-amino acids into D-amino acids and optically resolve amino acids or amino alcohol with high efficiency.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel methods for the preparation of secondary carbinamine compounds, particularly the preparation of secondary carbinamine compounds of the formula Ia, formula Ib or formula IV from aldehydes of the formula II and boronic acids of the formula III or formula V, in the presence of ammonia or an ammonia equivalent of the formula NH4+X?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the preparation of diol intermediates having the formula (II) and/or the opposite enantiomer of an acylated diol having the formula (IV) useful for the preparation of escitalopram involving selective enzymatic acylation or deacylation.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hop acid mixture having an enantiomeric excess of a (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid is disclosed. In the method, a racemate of a tetrahydro-?-acid is contacted with an amine to form a precipitate having an enantiomeric excess of the (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid. A method for preparing a hop acid is also disclosed. In the method, a racemate of a tetrahydro-?-acid is contacted with an amine to form a precipitate comprising a (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid, and the (+)-tetrahydro-?-acid is isomerized to a hop acid selected from the group consisting of (+)-trans-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (?)-cis-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, and mixtures thereof, and reduced to (+)-trans-hexahydroiso-?-acids and (?)-cis-hexahydroiso-?-acids. An additive for flavoring a malt beverage is also disclosed. The additive includes a bittering agent selected from the group consisting of (+)-trans-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (?)-cis-tetrahydro-iso-?-acids, (+)-trans-hexahydroiso-?-acids, (?)-cis-hexahydroiso-?-acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for resolving a compound in racemic form comprising the following steps is described: a) reacting a compound in racemic form with a resolving agent, b) forming a diastereoisomeric complex of the resolving agent and an enantiomer of interest, c) separating the enantiomer of interest from the obtained diastereoisomer, wherein such a process is characterized in that said resolving agent is a compound of Formula (I). A diastereoisomeric complex between the resolving agent of Formula (I) and the enantiomer of interest is also described. The process according to the invention allows acid and basic racemic mixtures to be separated.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel methods for the preparation of secondary carbinamine compounds, particularly the preparation of secondary carbinamine compounds of the formula Ia, formula Ib or formula IV from aldehydes of the formula II and boronic acids of the formula III or formula V, in the presence of ammonia or an ammonia equivalent of the formula NH4+X?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing a compound of the general formula (Ia) wherein X is a halogen atom, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein a compound of the formula (II) wherein X is as defined above and Y and Z independently represent a leaving group each, is reacted with an optically active amino alcohol to form a first mixture of diastereomers.

Abstract: The compound of formula (III), optionally its alkaline salt, is reacted with a compound of formula VII, wherein X is a leaving group, resulting in (S)-rivastigmine of formula II, which is then optionally converted into (S)-rivastigmine hydrogentartrade of formula I.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the optical resolution of racemic tomoxetine under reaction conditions that improve reaction yields and optical purity. The invention also provides an epimerization process for the (S)-(+) enantiomer. The invention further provides the conversion of the enantiomer obtained from the optical resolution into atomoxetine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclo-hexylamine (isophoronediamine, IPDA) having a high cis/trans isomer ratio. IPDA having a cis/trans isomer ratio in the range from 63/37 to 66/34 can be obtained in any desired cis/trans isomer ratio, irrespective of temperature, by reacting IPDA with H2 and NH3 in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. IPDA having a cis/trans isomer ratio of at least 73/27 which is an important starting material for the synthesis of polyurethanes and polyamides can be obtained by combining this isomerization process with distillative processes.

Abstract: A process for interconverting a mixture of cis-trans isomers of a compound of formula I into the substantially pure cis isomer. Cis isomers of formula I are useful intermediates in the synthesis of cis isomers of benzamide piperidine compounds which exhibit activity as NK-1 receptor antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound which is expected to be a synthetic intermediate for medicines and pesticides or a separating agent for chromatography or a enantiomerically resolving agent for racemic bodies. That is, it provides 3-amino-1-indanol represented by the formula (I), a process for synthesizing it, an enantiomerically active compound of 3-amino-1-indanol and a process for enantiomerically resolving 3-amino-1-indanol, and a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers comprising enantiomerically active compound thereof as an effective ingredient. In the formula, the configuration between OH group and NH2 group are cis-configuration or trans-configuration and the compound may be a racemic body or an enantiomerically active compound.

Abstract: Improved processes for preparation of high enantiomeric purity compounds center on resolution using simulated moving bed chromatography of a racemic precursor early in the synthesis. Resolution is effected with high enantiomeric purity, and subsequent reactions of the desired enantiomer performed with high optical specificity to maintain enantiomeric purity. The undesired enantiomer is racemized and recycled to the resolution phase to avoid loss.

Abstract: There are disclosed are a diastereomer salt of formula (1): a process for producing the same, a process for producing optically active 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionic acid of formula (2′): a novel optically active amine compound of formula (4): a novel optically active amine compound of formula (8): an imine compound of formula (7) or (11):

Abstract: (R*,R*)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol (Tramadol) is synthesized in a Grignard reaction in the presence of an additive resulting in a higher trans:cis ratio of product than is obtained in the absence of the additive. The Grignard reaction between 3 bromoanisole and the appropriate Mannich base in the presence of an amine or ether additive gives the amine product in an improved trans/cis ratio. The base is converted to its hydrochloride and recrystallized from a low molecular weight nitrile such as acetonitrile until a greater than 98% trans/cis ratio is obtained. Recrystallization from isopropanol gives (R*,R*)2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-metboxyphenyl)cyclohexanol hydrochloride free of the nitrile solvent. A hydrochloride of Tramadol can be synthesized without increasing a ratio of trans:cis by including a step in which HCl is added to Tramadol base in the presence of toluene.

Abstract: A process for the production of optically enriched (R)- or (S)-albuterol or (R)- or (S)-albuterol salts by the resolution of a novel ketal derivative 2-(N-t-butylamino)-1-(+2,2-dimethyl-1,2-benzodioxin-6-yl) ethanol, with a chiral tartaric acid derivative.

Abstract: Naphthyl crown ether ligand molecules containing at least two naphthyl groups that are covalently bonded to suitable solid supports and coated by hydrophobic organic solvents are disclosed. These compositions and associated methods are characterized by selectivity of desired amine or amino acid enantiomers over their counter-enantiomers and derivatives. The composition preferably has an &agr;-value greater than or equal to 4. This allows for the separation of such enantiomers with nonchromatographic resin bed separations of three separation stages or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of splitting 1-amino-alkan-2-ol compounds of general formula: in which the group R can represent a wide variety of linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups, comprising up to about 20 to 25 carbon atoms and preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms. These groups can possibly have one or more double bonds, one or more hetero-atoms such as oxygen or sulfur so long as these are to be found separated from the asymmetric carbon atom by at least one carbon link and do not destroy the aliphatic nature of the group R. These groups can also be substituted by one or more halogen atoms such as chlorine or lower alkoxy groups such as methoxy or ethoxy groups.

Abstract: Intermediates having the formula wherein BI is —CH2OH or —CH2ORP, and RP is an alcohol protecting group; a is 1, 2, or 3; TI is —OH or QI is phenyl, naphthyl ohr heteroaryl having 1-3 substituents; Ra and Rc are the same, and are H, or are selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl groups, the groups being optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from alkyl cycloalkyl, aryl, or —OH; or Ra and Rc together with the C—N—C chain to which they are bound, form a 5-7 membered ring; Rb and Rd are the same, and are H, or are selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl groups, the groups being optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or —OH; and D is a directing group capable of directing lithiation alpha to a nitrogen atom of a nitrogen compound having D as a substituent bound to the nitrogen atom when the nitrogen compound is reacted with s-butyl lithium, are disclosed

Abstract: A diastereomer complex obtained via a process for the separation of enantiomers is disclosed, wherein separation can be rapidly effected such that enantiomers are obtained with high e.e. values. The process pets the separation of mixtures of enantiomers in which more than one resolving agent is used, of which at least one resolving agent is optically active, and which yields a diastereomer complex containing at least two resolving agents in optically active form. The process provides for, inter alia, a diastereomer complex having at least three compounds of which at least two compounds are resolving agents in optically active form, and at least one compound is an onantiomer in optically active form. Also provided is a diastereomer complex having at least three compounds of which at lea one compound is a resolving agent in optically active form, and at least two compounds which are enantiomers in optically active form.

Abstract: This document describes a novel and practically excellent process for the preparation of optically active compounds, such as optically active alcohols or amines which are useful for various applications, for example, as synthetic intermediates of pharmaceuticals, liquid crystal materials, and reagents for optical resolution, wherein a hydrogen transfer type asymmetric reduction is carried out in the presence of both a transition metal complex and an optically active nitrogen compound or a transition metal complex having an optically active nitrogen compounds as an asymmetric ligand, and a hydrogen-donating organic or inorganic compound.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of (S)-1,1,1-trifluoroalkyl-2-amines of formula IIIA, ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, from the corresponding racemic mixture, which process includes treating 1 part by mole of the racemic mixture with approximately 0.3 to 0.7 part by mole of D-(-)-tartaric acid in the presence of an inert solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a family of chiral .alpha.-substituted benzylamine reagents during chemical synthesis. Specifically, the reagents can be used in an auxiliary manner to deliver either a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atom while simultaneously bestowing an asymmetric bias toward the formation and separation of the diastereomeric intermediates that result from reaction of the reagents with racemic substrates also having one or more asymmetric atoms. The chiral auxiliary portion of the reagents can then be readily removed at some later and convenient stage of the overall synthetic scheme. The initial nitrogen-delivery reaction, asymmetric separation procedures, and removal of the chiral auxiliary can all be conducted under routine experimental conditions, including the final debenzylation, such that the overall method is adaptable to large-scale chemistry.

Abstract: In accordance with a novel process, (R)-amines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and n have the meanings given in the description, can be prepared by reacting reating N-acyl-amines of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n have the meanings given in the description,with lipases which are suitable for cleaving the (R)-enantiomers of N-acyl-amines of the formula (II), in the presence of water and optionally in the presence of an organic diluent, at a pH of between 3.0 and 10.0 and at temperatures of between 0.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active 1,4-bridged-cyclohexane carboxylic acid derivatives which are clinically important thromboxane A.sub.2 thromboxane of formula (IV): ##STR1## wherein, R is phenyl or phenyl substituted with hydroxy, lower alkoxy, halogen, or lower alkyl; Y is oxygen, methylene, substituted methylene; m is 0 or 1; n is 0, 1 or 2; q is 3 or 4 with the proviso that when m is 1, n is 0 or 1 from an optically active norbornyl amine derivative.

Abstract: A method of producing optically active tert-leucinol (formula I) of high enantiomeric purity ##STR1## by converting racemic (RS)-tert-leucinol into a diastereomeric salt pair by reaction with an optically active acid, removing the salt pair from solution by fractionated crystallization and separating therefrom the optically active acid to release the optically active tert-leucinol from the salt. The optically active acid used is an N-acylated tert-leucine of general formula VIII: ##STR2## in which R can be hydrogen or an alkyl-, arylalkyl- or aryl group with up to 20 C atoms and * signifies a chirality center.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of 1-aminoindan and their salts are described. Optically active 1-aminoindan derivatives are prepared by reacting a N-benzyl analog of the desired compound with an enantiomer of mandelic acid.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing an L-.alpha.-amino acid from a 5(4H)-oxazolone precursor. The precursor is subjected to a two-step process sequence in which the precursor is first contacted with a methanolytically active lipase in the presence of methanol in a non-polar solvent to enantioselectively solvolyze the precursor and produce an intermediate optically active methyl ester of the desired .alpha.-amino acid. This ester is then contacted with a protease in the presence of water to enantioselectively cleave the ester and accomplish an enzymatic kinetic resolution to prepare the product L-.alpha.-amino acid in high optical purity.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substantially pure enantiomer of an hydrocarbyl amine is described. The process utilizes first an enantiomerically enriched mixture the of hydrocarbyl amine obtained from kinetic resolution, diastereomeric crystallization or asymmetric synthesis processes. This enriched mixture is reacted with an inorganic acid producing a salt that has the following properties:1) has at least one eutectic point;2) a composition that is not at the eutectic point; and3) a eutectic composition that is closer to the racemiccomposition than is the eutectic composition of saidhydrocarbyl, or be a solid where the salt is a liquid. A substantially pure, enantiomeric salt is separated, leaving a mother liquor comprising the solvent and the hydrocarbyl amine enriched in the other enantiomer.

Abstract: Optically-active, amphiphilic, free-radical addition copolymers having an optically-active hydrophobic portion and an ionic hydrophilic portion are effective resolving agents. This utility is based on a unique combination of properties, viz., water solubility, chirality and amphiphilicity, i.e., having a dual hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature.

Abstract: Optically-active, amphiphilic, free-radical addition copolymers having an optically-active hydrophobic portion and an ionic hydrophilic portion are effective resolving agents. This utility is based on a unique combination of properties, viz., water solubility, chirality and amphiphilicity, i.e., having a dual hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature.

Abstract: This invention refers to a new process for the preparation of D-(-)-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropionic acid, an important intermediate in the synthesis of the antihypertensive Captopril, consisting of the resolution of the racemic mixture of said acid through formation of the mixture of the diastereomeric salts thereof, in an appropriate solvent, with the low molecular weight L-(+)-2-aminobutanol as a base, selective crystallization of the diastereomeric salt of D-(-)-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropionic acid with L-(+)-2-aminobutanol and release of the D-(-)-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropionic acid through displacement of the base with a stronger acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of optically active amino acid amide. L-amino and D-amino acid amides are mixed in the presence of 0.5-4 equivalents of an aldehyde, relative to the quantity of amino acid amide, in the presence of a solvent and water. The mixture is converted in whole or in part by means of an optically active carboxylic acid into a salt of the amino acid amide and the carboxylic acid. A portion mainly consisting of one of the diastereoisomers of that salt is separated from the reaction mixture obtained. Instead of a mixture of L-amino and D-amino acid amides, it is also possible to use a mixture of the Schiff bases of an amino acid amide and an aldehyde, in which case it is not necessary to add extra aldehyde, and the required quantity of water amounts to at least 1 equivalent relative to the quantity of Schiff base. With this process, a high yield of optically active amino acid amide or the corresponding amino acid is rapidly obtained.

Abstract: A process is provided for catalytically reducing imines, oximes, hydrazones and related compounds. Moreover, there is provided a process for the catalytic asymmetric reduction of imines, oximes, hydrazones, and the like, using enantiomerically enriched catalysts, to provide chiral amine reaction products which are enriched in one enantiomer. Catalytic asymmetric reduction can also be carried out using an achiral precatalyst in combination with aThe U.S. Government has rights in this invention pursuant to NIH Grant Number GM 34917.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chiral supports and to their use in the asymmetric synthesis, deracemization and optical inversion of organic chiral compounds. In particular, the supports are used in combination with thermal equilibration of a species having a reactive achiral portion. Preferably, these supports are obtained by the copolymerization of at least one chiral unit and at least one functionalizing unit or by the polymerization of at least one chiral unit which is a source of said functionalizing unit. Optionally, a crosslinking agent is utilized. By utilizing these supports and thermal equilibration, excess enantiomers can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chiral polymers and to their uses for operations of asymmetric synthesis, deracemization and optical inversion.These polymers are characterized in that they comprise:a chiral unita functionalizing unitan optional crosslinking unitApplication to chiral organic synthesis.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of (2R)-methyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutylamine, or an acid addition salt thereof which comprisesa) acylating an optically active amine with 2-methyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid or a reactive derivative thereof to afford a butyramide;b) separating (R)-diastereomeric butyramide from (S)-diastereomeric butyramide; andc) converting the (R)-diastereomeric butyramide into the desired (2R)-methyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutylamine, or an acid addition salt thereof. The product may be acylated with a carboxylic acid of formula III ##STR1## wherein U is carboxy, or a reactive derivative thereof to afford (R)-4-[5-(N-[4,4,4-trifluoro-2-methylbutyl]carbamoyl)-1-methylindol-3-yl-m ethyl]-3-methoxy-N-o-tolylsulphonylbenzamide. The indole is useful as a leukotriene antagonist, for example in the treatment of asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: The disclosed process relates to a method for preparing 1-cyclopentylalkyl amines, useful in the synthesis of artificial sweeteners, by reducing an azanorbornene in a high-yield one-step reduction of an azanorbornene, wherein the method involves use of a solvent reductant system with catalyst that is compatible with the production of edible food compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an optically active amine represented by the formula (IV) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 each denote an alkyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group, providing that they do not denote the same group at the same time, and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom, which comprises reacting an asymmetric reducing agent obtained from (1) an optically active amine derivative represented by the formula (I) ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 denotes an alkyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group; R.sub.2 denotes a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or aralkyl group; R.sub.3 denotes an aryl group or a substituent represented by the formula (II) ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 each denote a hydrogen atom, aryl group or aralkyl group, and * is as defined above, (2) a metal borohydride and (3) sulfuric acid, with either the syn-isomer or the anti-isomer of an oxime derivative represented by the formula (III) or with a mixture rich in either one of the two isomers ##STR4## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an optically active cyclobutylamine which comprises reacting a racemic modification of cyclobuthylamine represented by the following general formula [I]: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent each a hydrogen atom or a protecting group; with an optically active N-acylphenylglycine to thereby give two corresponding diastereomeric salts, crystallizing the more difficultly soluble diastereomeric salt and isolating the corresponding optically active cyclobutylamine from the diastereomeric salt thus crystallized. The optically active substances of the compound of the above general formula [I] are useful as, for example, an intermediate in the synthesis of 9-[(1R, 2R, 3S)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1-cyclobutyl]guanine which is expected as an antiviral agent.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active amine which is an important compound as a resolving agent for medicines, agricultural chemicals, intermediates thereof, etc is disclosed.

Abstract: The optically active benzylamine derivatives of the present invention are very useful for use as the asymmetric ligand of an asymmetric reducing agent. By using the optically active amine-boron complex prepared from the compound of the present invention, optically active products can be obtained in a specifically high optical yield. Moreover, the separation and recovery of the reaction products and asymmetric ligand can be easily achieved.

Abstract: A method of preparing a substituted derivative of sphingosine comprising the steps of reducing serine methyl ester by a hydride reagent to form an aldehyde or aldehyde derivative, adding acetylide anions to the aldehyde to form an erythro-isomer or propargyl alcohol and inverting the propargyl alcohol by S.sub.N 2 inversion to form a threo-isomer. Either isomer can then be deprotected to form an alkyne with a 2-aminopropane 1,3-diol head group; this alkyne can be reduced to form sphingosine or a sphingosine derivitive which can be functionalized at the 4 and 5 positions to form a substituted derivative of sphingosine.

Abstract: Process for recovering .alpha.-aminoalcohols by extraction from aqueous solutions, in which process an aromatic aldehyde is added at elevated pH to an aqueous solution of an aminoalcohol in an at least equimolar amount in respect of the aminoalcohol, the resulting mixture is converted with formation of the Schiff base of the aldehyde and the aminoalcohol and the aqueous solution is subsequently extracted using a water-immiscible organic solvent, upon which the Schiff base in the resulting extract is hydrolized and the .alpha.-aminoalcohol or a salt thereof is recovered.

Abstract: A novel process for producing hindered and unhindered primary amines represented by the formula RNH.sub.2 and R*NH.sub.2 in high yields from novel intermediates RBMe.sub.2 or R*BMe.sub.2 wherein R is an organo group, R* is a chiral organo group, attached to boron, B is boron and Me is methyl.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing 1,6-di(N.sup.3 -cyano-N.sup.1 -guanidino) hexane from alkali dicyanamide and a hexamethylene diammonium salt in alcoholic solution or suspension. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a limited amount of water and of a catalytic amount of a base, preferably a tertiary amine. The pH of the reaction mixture at the start of the reaction is 8 to 10. After the reaction is over, the reaction mixture is compounded with water at a temperature above 80.degree. C. and the coarse product which crystallizes out is separated from the liquid phase.Preferably, sodium dicyanamide and hexamethylene diamine dihydrochloride, preferably formed in situ from aqueous 1,6-diaminohexane and aqueous hydrochloric acid, are reacted at pH 9-9.5 in n-butanol in the presence of 0.1 to 20% by wt. water in relation to the solvent including water.1,6-di(N.sup.3 -cyano-N.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for obtaining optically active amines, carbamates, and isocyanates by thermal fragmentation of optically active ureas through refluxing the ureas in C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 alcohol solution with or without catalytic amounts of alkali metal.

Abstract: Asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral N-aliphatic ketimines to give optically active secondary amines at a temperature from -20.degree. to 80.degree. C., a hydrogen pressure of 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 Pa, with the addition of catalytic amounts of an iridium compound of the formula III or IIIa[XIrYZ] (III)or[XIrY].sup..sym. A.sup..crclbar. (IIIa)in which X is two olefin ligands or a diene ligand, Y is a chiral diphosphine the secondary phosphine group of which are attached through 2-4 C atoms and which, together with the Ir atom, forms a 5-membered, 6-membered or 7-membered ring, or Y is a chiral diphosphinite the phosphinite groups of which are attached via 2 C atoms and which, together with the Ir atom, forms a 7-membered ring, Z is Cl, Br or I and A.sup.- is the anion of an oxygen acid or complex acid, and, if appropriate, with the addition of an ammonium chloride, bromide or iodide or an alkali metal chloride, bromide or iodide.