Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of activated keto compounds by some homogeneous and silica-supported di(μ-carboxylato)bis(aminophosphinephosphinite)dirhodium complexes

New soluble and silica-supported rhodium complexes have been synthesized and tested as catalyst precursors for the enantioselective hydrogenation of α-ketoesters and an α-ketoamide. The homogeneous catalysts have been found to be efficient in terms of activity and asymmetric induction (up to 94% enantiomeric excess). On the other hand, the heterogenized systems exhibited lower performances and were gradually...