The catalytic system prepared from [Rh(COD)(2)]BF4 and (R,R)-Me-BPE provides a spectacular detrimental hydrogen pressure effect on ee from 94% down to 56% in the hydrogenation of methylacrylate, whereas it has a strong beneficial effect on the hydrogenation of E-emap (from 42% up to 72%). The kinetic parameters have been determined for both systems and have helped to identify the most enantioselective controlling steps (MECS). Accordingly, further explanations for the structure-ee and hydrogen pressure relationship are proposed. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.