Inversion of stereochemistry in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones performed in tap water and in open-vessel

The readily available amino alcohol 7 was employed into the [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of prochiral ketones performed in tap water. For the first time, the reaction was conducted in open-vessel at room temperature, providing moderate to good conversions and enantioselectivities. In addition, we have run some experiments to study the relationship between the structure of the chiral ligand and the catalytic efficiency. Surprisingly, N-substitution of 7 could lead to the inversion of the configuration of the product under the same conditions.