COLL 545 |
| Richard M Lambert, Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom |
| Heterogeneously-catalysed enantioselective reactions are relative rarities, but their potential importance is huge. Here I report recent findings aimed at addressing key questions that arise in connection with the platinum-catalysed enantioselective hydrogenation of alkyl pyruvates. Three issues are considered. What is the origin of chiral induction? What is the origin of the dramatic collapse in enantioselectivity that occurs at ~ 350 K? What are the causes of catalyst poisoning or poor start-up? Experiments carried out with reactant, product, and chiral modifier species in vacuum and in solution using a range of Pt single crystal surfaces, including the chiral {643} surface, permit us to propose plausible hypotheses. |
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Chiral Surfaces
Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry |