Chapter 25.3, Problem 20CC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

For synthesis of glycine it is inappropriate to use chiral catalyst has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Asymmetric catalytic hydrogenation is a reaction in which the alkene substrate is reduced to a saturated compound by addition of two atoms of hydrogen.  When chiral catalyst is used a enantioselective product is obtained.  This technique uses a chiral catalyst so that the amino acids can be prepared with high enantiomeric excess.

The final step after hydrogenation is the hydrolysis of the protected group of amine.  The general scheme can be shown as,

To explain: why use of chiral catalyst is inappropriate for the synthesis of glycine.