The enantioselective hydrogenation of several isatine derivatives over cinchonidine modified Pt/Al2O3 was investigated. A maximum enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of 45% was found for (R)-5,7-dimethylisatin. The enantiomeric excess was limited by racemization catalyzed by the basic cinchonidine in solution, leading to low enantiomeric excess at high cinchonidine concentration. The modifier in solution also catalyzed the formation of the corresponding isatide. High cinchonidine concentration favored isatide formation, whereas low cinchonidine concentration and high hydrogen pressure favored alcohol formation. The isatide, formed from the isatin reactant and the alcohol, underwent disproportionation. Though both hydrogenation and isatide formation are fast reactions, isatide formation was considerably faster at least at the beginning of the reaction. Substitution of the isatin reactant had relatively little effect on enantiomeric excess but affected considerably the rate of racemization. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.