The Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Alkenes: Predicting Stereochemical Outcomes, The reaction proceeds to produce an enantiomerically pure product (right, stereochemistry of chiral center produced not shown). Predict the correct stereochemical outcome of the reaction by drawing the final product (using wedged and dashed lines) with the correct stereochemistry at the chiral center. (1 mark).

The Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Alkenes: Predicting Stereochemical Outcomes

The asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes is an important reaction in organic chemistry, as it allows for the production of enantiomerically pure products. Knowing the stereochemical outcome of the reaction is therefore essential for the synthesis of compounds with desired properties. For example, compounds with a specific stereochemistry may have greater bioavailability or greater reactivity than their non-stereospecific counterparts (Lambert et al., 2019). In the case of asymmetric hydrogenation, the stereochemistry of the final product can be determined by understanding the reaction mechanism and the stereochemistry of the catalyst (Lambert et al., 2019). The reaction proceeds via a syn addition of hydrogen atoms to the double bond of the alkene, forming a planar intermediate, which then undergoes a transition state. During this transition state, the hydrogen atoms are rearranged, resulting in the formation of an enantiomerically pure product. The stereochemistry of the chiral centre is determined by the geometry of the transition state, which is driven by the stereochemistry of the catalyst (Lambert et al., 2019). Cont…