A MCM-41-supported platinum carbonyl cluster-derived asymmetric hydrogenation catalyst

Anionic platinum carbonyl cluster has been ion paired with cinchonidium groups that are chemically bound to the surface of MCM-41 and fumed silica. In the hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate or acetophenone the fumed silica-based catalyst gives zero enantioselectivity, but under optimum conditions enantiomeric excesses of >90 and ∼40%, respectively, are obtained with the MCM-41-based catalyst.