Non-covalent chiral organocatalysis uses water as a solvent
Using a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst Rueping demonstrates highly enantioselective hydrogenation of quinolines in water, a reaction previously considered impossible to carry out in water. The phosphoric acid forms a hydrogen bond with the quinoline, and directs the dihydropridine hydride donor to a particular face. This hydrogen-bonding catalysis occurs despite the fact that water is an excellent hydrogen donor itself, due to the phenomenon of ‘hydrophobic hydration’.
Rueping is confident that similar organocatalysis reactions could be carried out on a large industrial scale, which could remove the need for elimination of hazardous chlorinated or organic solvents.
Original publication: Magnus Rueping and Thomas Theissmann, Chem. Sci. 2010
Most read news
Topics
Organizations
Other news from the department science
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.