6.25 Reduction: Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation with Hantzsch Esters

Abstract

Recently, by utilizing Hantzsch esters which are nicotinamide analogues as the hydrogen source, biomimetic approaches of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of CC, CN and CO double bonds were realized, affording versatile chiral building blocks in high yields with typically excellent enantioselectivities under mild conditions. This chapter presents a detailed discussion of recent findings that are classified by functional groups and catalytic systems in this field.