Low metal loading Ru-MCM-41 stereocontrolled hydrogenation of prostaglandin intermediates

Low metal loading Ru-MCM-41 (0.134 and 0.667 wt% Ru) have been prepared by adsorption of ruthenocene from a diethyl ether solution, calcination and re duction under flowing hydrogen at 350 degrees C; the physical characteristi on by a combination of several techniques has shown that Ru is homogeneousl y distributed inside the MCM pores, and that it is only partially reduced; these catalysts exhibit a very high diastereoselectivity in hydrogenation o f an F prostaglandin intermediate leading only to the 11S,15R diastereomer.