Patent ID: 7495123
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: C07C,C07D

Abstract:
1. A process for preparing a compound of structural formula I: enantiomerically enriched at the carbon atom marked with an *; wherein Z is OR R R R comprising the step of hydrogenating in the presence of hydrogen gas a prochiral enamine of structural formula II: in a suitable organic solvent in the presence of a rhodium metal precursor complexed to a chiral phosphine ligand selected from the group consisting of: (a) a ligand of the structural formula: wherein R 16 is C 1-4 alkyl or aryl; or an enantiomer thereof; (b) a ligand of the structural formula: or an enantiomer thereof; (c) a ligand of the structural formula: wherein R 12 is C 1-4 alkyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl, or aryl; or an enantiomer thereof; and (d) a ligand of the structural formula: wherein R 4 is C 1-4 alkyl or aryl; and R wherein said rhodium metal precursor is [Rh(monoolefin)