Asymmetric hydrogenation at a rhodium complex using (+)- or (–)-PhCHMe·NHCHO or (–)-MeCH(OH)·CONMe2as ligands

Abstract
Methyl 3-phenylbut-2-en-oate is homogeneously hydrogenated at a rhodium complex formed in (+)- or (–)-1-phenylethylformamide to give (+)- or (–)-methyl 3-phenylbutanoate in better than 50% optical yield.