Eastman and Johnson Matthey partner on chiral ligand marketing

Eastman Chemical Company has entered into an agreement with Johnson Matthey Catalysts to collaborate on the marketing of Eastman's proprietary BoPhoz chiral ligands. The arrangement enables both companies to promote and supply BoPhoz ligands to all segments of the chemical industry.

As part of the agreement, Eastman will source platinum group metals and catalyst precursors used in preparation of BoPhoz catalysts exclusively from Johnson Matthey.

'Eastman has developed an excellent chiral technology position through our BoPhoz family of ligands, which has already generated significant interest in the market place,' said Dr Julian Parratt, business development manager, pharmaceuticals, in Eastman's performance chemical business organisation. 'We believe that this alliance will further the reach and scope of the technology through Johnson Matthey's recognised excellence in the fields of chiral and achiral catalysis.'

'Johnson Matthey's catalysis and chiral technologies (CCT) business is committed to providing the most extensive technology available in asymmetric catalysis,' said Dr. Martin Durney, vice president of JM CCT. 'The addition of the BoPhoz ligand is a key part of our strategy to offer cost effective asymmetric hydrogenation solutions to our pharmaceutical and fine chemicals customers.'