Abstract Optically active amphiphilic compounds derived from N-methylephedrine, N- methylprolinol, or cinchona derivatives possessing bromide or chiral lactate counterions were efficiently used as protective agents for rhodium (0) nanoparticles. The full characterization of these surfactants and the obtained nanocatalysts was performed by means of different techniques. These spherical nanoparticles, with sizes between 0.8–2.5 ...