Synthesis of functional cobalt nanoparticles for catalytic applications. Use in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Long chain carboxylic acids functionalized at the position with chiral amino alcohol fragments have been used to stabilize cobalt nanoparticles prepared by thermal decomposition of Co₂(CO)₈. The first examples of chirally modified cobalt nanoparticles have been prepared in this manner and used as magnetically decantable ligands in the Ru-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones.