The diastereoselective hydrogenation of 2-methylnicotinic acid covalently bound to different chiral auxiliaries was performed on Pd, Rh and Ru supported catalysts. The cis isomers were formed predominantly with a diastereoselectivity influenced by the structure of the chiral inductor and the nature of the catalyst. The best diastereoselectivity (35%) was obtained when pantolactone was used as chiral auxiliary. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.The diastereoselective hydrogenation of 2-methylnicotinic acid covalently bound to different chiral auxiliaries was performed on Pd, Rh and Ru supported catalysts. The cis isomers were formed predominantly with a diastereoselectivity influenced by the structure of the chiral inductor and the nature of the catalyst. The best diastereoselectivity (35%) was obtained when pantolactone was used as chiral auxiliary. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.