Unprecedented enantioselectivity in a cluster-based catalytic system

Catalytic systems based on the clusters [H4RU4(CO)(10)-{mu-1,2-(P-P)}] and [H4RU4(CO)(10){1,1-(P-P)}] (P-P = (R)-(R)-Ph(2)PPhFcCHCH(3)PR(2); Fc = ferrocenyl; R = 3,5-CF3Ph (W001), Ph (W002)) have been used successfully in asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral alpha-unsaturated carboxylic acids under mild conditions. Enantiomeric excesses of 42-92% and conversion rates in excess of 99% were observed.