Nanostructured biomimetic catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides using molecular imprinting technology

A new class of heterogeneous catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides was synthesized using molecular imprinting technology. These new catalysts are molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) made from rhodium (I) and copper (II) complexes with the bis(oxazoline) chiral ligands. One of the Rh-MIPs showed 87% ee toward L-enantiomeric product while the Cu-MIP showed 82% ee toward D-enantiomeric product. Both MIPs are easy to separate and reusable.