| abstract |
There is described a process for the manufacture of isoprene derivatives of the general formula <IMAGE> I wherein the asymmetric centres can each individually have the (R)- or (S)-configuration, R represents a residue of the formulae <IMAGE> R1 signifies lower alkyl or both R1's together signify ethylene or propylene and n stands for the number 0, 1 or 2, in which a compound, which is present in the (E)- or (Z)-form, of the general formula <IMAGE> II wherein R, n and an optionally present asymmetric centre have the above significance, is asymmetrically hydrogenated with a ruthenium complex of an optically active atropisomeric diphosphine. |