Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of olefins for the synthesis of α- and β-amino acids.

The field of asymmetric (transfer) hydrogenation of prochiral olefins has been dominated by noble metal catalysts based on rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium. Herein we report that a simple nickel catalyst is highly active in the transfer hydrogenation using formic acid. Chiral α- and β-amino acid derivatives were obtained in good to excellent enantioselectivity. The key toward success was the use of the strongly donating and sterically demanding bisphosphine Binapine.