| abstract |
A process is disclosed for the enantioselective hydrogenation of olefins of the formula ##STR1## where R is hydrogen or C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkyl, Z is ##STR2## where R' is hydrogen or C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkyl, --CN, C(NH)OR" where R" is C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkyl, or --C(O)NH 2 ; and Ar is phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted with benzoyl or substituted benzoyl, C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkyl, C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkoxy, halo, or carboxylic acid or C 1 to C 6 linear or branched alkyl ester thereof, which comprises contacting said aromatic-substituted olefin with a catalytically effective amount of a ruthenium phosphite complex. |