Alkaloid-induced asymmetric hydrogenation on a Cu nanoparticle cathode by electrochemical conditions

• Metallic Cu was used for heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation for the first time.
• Electrochemical conditions were crucial.
• All procedures were performed under mild conditions.
• The ee value was linear with adsorption amount of alkaloid.

Copper nanoparticles were prepared in an aqueous solution, compacted into a coin, and used as a cathode for asymmetric hydrogenation by the electrochemical method for the first time. A good ee value and excellent yield were obtained under mild conditions. Electrochemical conditions were crucial for alkaloid adsorption on metallic Cu, which is a key process of asymmetric induction. Furthermore, the ee value was linear with an adsorption amount.

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