Patent ID: 6326512
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A method producing an optically active .beta.-hydroxy sulfonic acid compound comprising hydrogenating a .beta.-keto sulfonic acid compound represented by formula 1: ##STR14##where R.sup.1 represents an alkyl or a phenyl group, which may be substituted, and R.sup.2 represents sodium, in an acidic solvent, in the presence of an asymmetric catalyst comprising a complex of bivalent Ru, having 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl as a ligand, to produce a compound represented by formula 2: ##STR15##where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above, and * designates an asymmetric carbon atom.