β-Amino alcohols as ligands for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones in water

Chiral β-amino alcohols were used as ligands for ruthenium, rhodium and iridium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenones in water with formate as reductant. The catalysts were showed to be capable of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones in water, but their activities and enantioselectivities varied with the ligands used and with solution pH values, with higher pH favouring higher rates and better enantioselectivities.

Graphical abstractβ-Amino alcohols in combination with Ru(II), Rh(III) or Ir(III) are shown to be capable of catalyzing asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aryl ketones by formate in water, affording enantioselectivities in up to 87% ee. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide