Modified Cellulose with BINAP-Supported Rh as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Asymmetric catalysis is the preferred method for the synthesis of pure chiral molecules in the fine chemical industry. Cellulose has long been sought as a support in enantioselective catalysis. Dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) is produced by the selective oxidation of cellulose and is used to bind 5,5′-diamino Binap by forming a Schiff base. Here, we report the synthesis of modified cellulose-supported Rh as a novel biomass-supported catalyst and the characterization of its morphology, composition, and thermal stability. DAC-BINAP-Rh was a very effective catalyst in the asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides and could be easily recycled. This work provides a novel supported catalyst that broadens the applications of cellulose in asymmetric catalysis.