Asymmetrically Modified Nickel Catalyst for the Enantio-Differentiating Hydrogenation of Prochiral Ketones

The state of the art for the enantio-differentiating hydrogenation over an asymmetrically modified nickel catalyst is reviewed along with the background development of the catalyst. An enantioselectivity up to 98% was obtained for the hydrogenation of β-functionalized ketones. The durability of the enantioselectivity was significantly improved using an in-situ-modified nickel powder catalyst (80-90% enantioselectivity for over 20 runs). Recent mechanistic investigations based on surface science are also summarized for the discussion of the enantio-differentiating model.