Heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroaromatic methyl ketones catalyzed by cinchona-modified iridium catalysts

A heterogeneous iridium catalyst was synthesized with silica particles as support for the hydrogenation of heteroaromatic methyl ketones. The catalyst and support were characterized by solid-state NMR, HTEM, SEM, XPS, and BET. A series of heteroaromatic methyl ketones were investigated at room temperature. The catalytic system was effective and more than 99% conversion and up to 83.6% enantioselectivity were obtained in the hydrogenation of heteroaromatic methyl ketones.

Graphical abstractThe asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroaromatic methyl ketones catalyzed by an iridium heterogeneous catalyst with prepared monodispersed silica particles as support.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide