A tethered ligand comprising the reaction product of an organofunctional
silica and a ligand containing a functional group capable of reaction
with said organofunctional silica, wherein the organofunctional silica is
prepared from an alkyl silicate and an organofunctional silane is
described. A supported catalyst is also described comprising additionally
a source of catalytically-active metal. Methods for preparing the
tethered ligand and supported catalyst are provided and uses of the
supported catalyst for performing asymmetric reactions are claimed. The
catalysts are readily separable from the reaction mixtures and may be
re-used if desired.