Method for synthesizing optically active carbonyl compounds

US7973198B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Joachim Schmidt-Leithoff · Mannheim, DE
• Christoph Jäkel · Schifferstadt, DE
• Rocco Paciello · Bad Dürkheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2008
• Grant date: Jul 5, 2011
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C2601/14
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing optically active carbonyl compounds by asymmetrically hydrogenating α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of optically active transition metal catalysts which are soluble in the reaction mixture and have at least one carbon monoxide ligand, the optically active catalyst which has at least one carbon monoxide ligand and is to be used in each case being prepared by pretreating a catalyst precursor with a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen and the asymmetric hydrogenation being performed in the presence of carbon monoxide supplied additionally to the reaction mixture.