The appropriate combination of methacrylate polymers permits the synthesis of a soluble polymer for use in ruthenium (II)-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions. Using a 7: 3 copolymer of a poly (ethylene glycol) ester and a hydroxyethyl ester, a derived ruthenium (II)/norephedrine complex catalyses reduction of acetophenone in up to 95% yield and 81% ee.
