Asymmetric hydrogenation of beta- or gamma-ketoesters and beta- or gamma- ketoamides

摘要

&bgr;- or &ggr;-Ketoesters and &bgr;- or &ggr;-ketoamides are asymmetrically reduced with a Ru(II)-BINAP derived catalyst at about 40. degree. C. and about 50N/mm.sup.2 of hydrogen in the presence of a strong acid.