Parameter Screening and Optimization

An extensive series (120) of parameter optimization experiments were carried out with the complex of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with (R)-(S)-PPF P (Bu)2. The substrate was recrystallized (content 98.5%) to ensure consistency of results. 

Although the selectivity is identical for the solvents toluene, EtOAc, and PrOH, and the activities are by and large similar, toluene was the solvent of choice due to the ease and efficiency of product isolation. In fact product 3 crystallized out during the reaction, and simple filtration after cooling to room temperature gave 

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