Enantioselective hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate over diop modified Pt nanoclusters. Determination of geometry of the ligand adsorption mode via DRIFTS.

Immobilization of chiral ligands on the surface of metal nanoparticles is one concept for heterogenation of enantioselective catalysts. Diop modified Pt nanoclusters were found to be able to induce enantioselectivity and enhancement of the reaction rate in hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate. The model of geometry of the diop adsorption has been proposed based on DRIFTS and molecular modelling investigations. The ability of diop to induce enantioselectivity and enhanced reaction rate was explained through the adsorption geometry and comparison with known models of enantioselectivity established for the cinchonidine on Pt system.