Rh(I)-catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of (E)- and (Z)-beta-(acylamino)acrylates using 1,4-bisphosphine ligands under mild conditions.

[reaction: see text] Rh-Me-BDPMI (1a) complex can be an effective catalyst for the hydrogenations of (E)- and (Z)-beta-(acylamino)acrylates, in which the Z-isomers hydrogenated with the same or even higher ee values than the corresponding E-isomers. The conversion yield and enantioselectivity of E- and Z-isomers were largely dependent on the solvent, and thus, the E-isomers were hydrogenated more effectively in CH(2)Cl(2), whereas the Z-isomers were hydrogenated more effectively in polar MeOH solvent.