Divinylbenzene cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene has been functiona
lised with cinchonine, ephedrine, 3S,4S-N-benzylpyrrolidinediol and four ac
hiral amines. The resins have been used as supports for anchoring [Rh(CO)(2
)Cl-2](-). The polymer-supported complex has been tested as a catalyst prec
ursor for the hydrogenation of alpha-acetamidocinnamic acid. Highest rate a
nd modest enantioselectivity are obtained with cinchonine functionalized po
lymer-supported complex. This complex also undergoes reversible decarbonyla
tion. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.