Amino acid derived amides and hydroxamic acids as ligands for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation in aqueous media

Amides and hydroxamic acids derived from α-amino acids were evaluated as ligands in combination with rhodium and iridium half-sandwich complexes in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones. The reactions were performed in aqueous media using lithium formate as hydride source. The catalyst systems turned out to be highly efficient and ee's up to 90% were obtained.

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► Asymmetric ketone reduction in water.
► Inexpensive and low molecular weight ligand systems.
► Modular catalysts.