Rh‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Aryl Imino Esters: An Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis of Aryl Glycine Derivatives

A highly enantioselective synthesis of aryl glycine derivatives from asymmetric hydrogenation was achieved by subjecting N-PMP-protected α-aryl imino esters to hydrogenation under Rh–bisphosphine catalysis (see scheme; PMP=para-methoxyphenyl, cod=cycloocta-1,5-diene). The PMP group could be easily removed for the preparation of enantiomerically pure aryl glycine derivatives.