Synfacts 2009(4): 0415-0415  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087908
Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Iron-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones

Contributor(s): Mark Lautens, Praew Thansandote
A. Mikhailine, A. J. Lough, R. H. Morris*
University of Toronto, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 March 2009 (online)

Significance

The authors report the synthesis of a novel iron catalyst which serves as the first efficient iron catalyst for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones. The scope includes a variety of aromatic ketones with moderate to good conversions and enantioselectivities. Non-aromatic ketones are challenging substrates as bulky groups next to the carbonyl are best for obtaining high enantioselectivities. A strong base is essential as no conversion is observed in its absence. Increasing the concentration of the ketone results in higher turnover numbers.