Asymmetric reduction of a-acetamido cinnamic acid

The catalyst is not stable in solution and cannot be stored for a long time. 

A 25 mL Schlenk tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was dried at 150 °C overnight, cooled under vacuum and then flushed with nitrogen. 

The Schlenk tube was filled with bisphosphinite ligand, (1R, 3R, 5R, 6S)-3,6-bis [bis (4 -fluorophenyl) phosphinooxy] bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane (6.7 mg), degassed methanol (3 mL) and (COD)2Rh 1 BF4 (5.25 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature until all the material was dissolved (10 15 minutes) giving an orange solution. 

A glass liner of a 50 mL hydrogenation bomb was charged with a-acetamido cinnamic acid (240 mg) and a magnetic stirrer bar. The bomb was then assembled, flushed five times with hydrogen (the bomb was pressurized at 200 psi, then the gas inlet was closed before the hydrogen was slowly vented off). 

The solution of the catalyst (formed in situ) was added via a syringe (3 mL) through the solvent port equipped with a septum, and the mixture stirred. 

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