The selectivity of a catalytic reaction is manipulated by straining a polymer support to which the catalyst is covalently bound. Enantioselective rhodium-catalysed hydrogenation of a series of 2-acetamidoacrylates is shown to increase with macroscopic strain, with enantiomeric ratios reaching twice their initial values.
- Xujun Zheng
- Chun-Yu Chiou
- Ross A. Widenhoefer