Dsm IP Assets B.v.

Edwin Gerard Ijpeij

Jonathan Alan Medlock

Andreas Hendrikus Maria De Vries

Gerardus Karel Maria Verzijl

Paulus Lambertus Alsters

De Andreas Hendrikus Maria Vries

The present invention relates to a process of the asymmetric hydrogenation of an unsaturated ketone or aldehyde by molecular hydrogen in the presence of at least one chiral iridium complex and in the presence of at least one additive and a halogenated alcohol. This process yields chiral compounds in a very efficient way and is very advantageous in that the amount of iridium complex can be remarkably reduced.

Efficient process of asymmetric hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones using additives

The invention relates to novel nitrile compounds according to formula I and II: (I) Formula I wherein: X=&#x2014;CHor &#x2014;C&#x2261;N, (II) Formula II wherein: X=&#x2014;CHor &#x2014;C&#x2261;N, each Y is independently chosen from &#x2014;OH or RC(0)0-, each R is independently chosen from a C1-21 alkyl group. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of nitrile compounds according to formula I and II and to uses of the nitrile compounds. 

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Kaiseraugst, Switzerland

Edwin Gerard Ijpeij