High activity iridium catalyst for the asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones

The asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones catalyzed by iridium complexes was investigated in the presence of chiral damines and achiral phosphines. The catalytic system with triphenylphosphine and 9-amino(9-deoxy)epicinchonine exhibited high activity and enantioselectivity in the asymmetric hydrogenation of simple aromatic ketones. A series of simple aromatic ketones were hydrogenated completely in just 2 h at room temperature with good ee value (up to 87%).

Graphical abstractThe asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones catalyzed by iridium complexes was investigated in the presence of chiral damines and achiral phosphines.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Chiral diamine and iridium was used for ketones asymmetric hydrogenation. ► The chiral induction is improved when TPP added. ► The system showed high activity and enantioselectivity at room temperature.