Highly efficient synthesis of optically pure 5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-octahydro-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol and -naphthylamine derivatives by partial hydrogenation of 1,1'-binaphthyls with carbon nanofiber supported ruthenium nanoparticles.

Use of Ru/CNF-P, nanoruthenium particles dispersed on a nanocarbon fiber support, realizes highly efficient catalytic partial hydrogenation of 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol and -naphthyl-amine derivatives. The reactions proceed in high turnover numbers without racemization of the axial chirality, offering a practical procedure for the production of optically pure 5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-octahydro-1,1'-binaphthyls in good to high yields.