A novel efficient route for preparation of chiral β-hydroxycarboxylic acid: Asymmetric hydration of unsaturated carboxylic acids catalyzed by heterobimetallic complex wool–palladium–cobalt

A new bio-polymer heterobimetallic complex wool–Pd–Co is found to be a novel efficient catalyst for asymmetric hydration of unsaturated carboxylic acids with high enantioselectivity by simple and clean process under mild conditions. Chemical and optical yields are affected by some parameters, such as the (Pd + Co) content in wool–Pd–Co, the Co/Pd molar ratio, reaction time, reaction temperature and amount of water. After five-time use of the complex, the chemical and optical yields of the products show no significant changes. Obviously, the methods provide an alternative way to produce chiral β-hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Graphical abstractA new bio-polymer heterobimetallic complex wool–Pd–Co has been found to be a novel efficient catalyst for asymmetric hydration of unsaturated carboxylic acids with high enantioselectivity by a simple and clean process under mild conditions. Chemical and optical yields are affected by some parameters, such as the (Pd + Co) content in wool–Pd–Co, the Co/Pd molar ratio, reaction time, reaction temperature and amount of water. After 5-time use of the complex, the chemical and optical yields of the products show no significant changes. Obviously, the methods provide an alternative way to produce chiral β-hydroxycarboxylic acids. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide