Highly Enantioselective Direct Synthesis of Endocyclic Vicinal Diamines through Chiral Ru(diamine)‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of 2,2′‐Bisquinoline Derivatives

Abstract

AbstractAn asymmetric hydrogenation of 2,2′‐bisquinoline and bisquinoxaline derivatives, catalyzed by chiral cationic ruthenium diamine complexes, was developed. A broad range of chiral endocyclic vicinal diamines were obtained in high yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity (up to 93:7 dl/meso and >99 % ee). These chiral diamines could be easily transformed into a new class of chiral N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), which are important but difficult to access.