| abstract |
A catalytic asymmetric reduction process, which, by hydrogenating trisubstituted olefins, yields a corresponding organic compound having a high level of enantiomeric purity is disclosed. The reduction process utilizes a chiral metal catalyst that includes a metal or metal complex that is selected from groups 3, 4, 5, or 6, lanthanides and actinides. Moreover, the process uses hydrogen as the stoichiometric reducing agent and may be carried out at pressures ranging from about 1 to 200 atmospheres. |