Kinetic influences on enantioselectivity in asymmetric catalytic hydrogenation

Examples from both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic systems are presented which demonstrate the role that reaction dynamics may play in dictating the ultimate enantioselectivity observed in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. The hydrogenation of allylic alcohols using Ru(S)-binap and the hydrogenation of cu-keto esters using cinchona-modified supported Pt are discussed. This work highlights the importance of considering reaction kinetics in addition to the stereochemical aspects of the chiral catalytic environment in interpreting catalytic behavior in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions.