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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