Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Aromatic Heterocyclic Ketones Catalyzed by the MsDPEN–Cp*Ir(III) Complex

Abstract

Asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic heterocyclic ketones catalyzed by Cp*Ir(OTf)(Msdpen) (MsDPEN = N-(methanesulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) affords the heterocyclic alcohols in 93% to >99% ee. The reaction is conducted in a methanolic solution with a substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio of 200-5000 under 15 atm of H 2 . The heterocyclic rings of substrates are left intact.