Résumé
Non-linear kinetics in asymmetric catalytic reactions may lead to non-linear enantioselectivity. In the H-transfer asymmetric reduction of arylketones with isopropanol/acetone catalyzed by a rhodium diamine complex, this has been quantified and used in order to achieve a significant increase in enantiomeric excess upon addition of reagents as simple as acetone. The question of the generalization of such a non-linear kinetic approach of enantioselective catalytic processes is also addressed.