Tethered Ru(II) catalysts containing a Ru–I bond

• Novel Ru(II)/TsDPEN/iodo complexes have been prepared and characterised.
• The catalysts furnish products of high ee in asymmetric reduction reactions.
• The iodo complexes are as efficient as the chlorides in transfer hydrogenation.

Two new iodide-containing derivatives of the widely-adopted arene/Ru(II)/TsDPEN catalysts have been prepared and fully characterised, including through X-ray crystallography. They have been evaluated as catalysts for the asymmetric reduction of acetophenone under both transfer (ATH) and pressure hydrogenation (AH) conditions. The iodide-containing complexes are equally efficient in the ATH reaction, but less active in the AH reaction compared to the chloride derivatives.

Two new Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and evaluated as catalysts for the asymmetric reduction of acetophenone under both transfer and pressure hydrogenation conditions. The complexes are iodide-containing derivatives of the widely-adopted arene/Ru(II)/TsDPEN catalysts commonly used in these transformations.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide