Asymmetric synthesis by chiral ruthenium complexes : IV. Reduction of carbon-carbon double bonds in prochiral α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids by hydrogen transfer catalysed by H 4Ru 4(CO) 8[(−)-DIOP] 2

Abstract

The enantioface-discriminating hydrogen transfer reduction of αβ-unsaturaged acids takes place at 120°C in the presence of H 4Ru 4(CO) 8[()-DIOP] 2. Secondary alcohols are satisfactory hydrogen donors. Selectivity, optical yields, and rates are lower than those obtained when working in the presence of hydrogen under pressure.