Synthesis and application of chiral N,N′-dialkylated cyclohexanediamine for asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl ketones

Chiral N,N′-dialkylated cyclohexanediamine derived ligands have been synthesized and used in the asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl ketones. Optically active alcohols with up to 90% enantiomeric excess were obtained in high yields.