Reduction: Hydrogenation and Transfer Hydrogenation of C=C

Abstract

The title reactions with homogeneous catalysts are summarized for each type of substrate, focusing on the progress since 2012. Asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes with molecular hydrogen constitutes key transformations in the synthesis of chiral compounds. One of the recent trends is the diversification of substrates including tetrasubstituted alkenes with substituents containing nitrogen, oxygen, and other heteroatoms. Another trend is the use of inexpensive low-valence transition metals including Fe, Co, and Ni complexes as catalysts. Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alkenes either with transition metal catalysts or with organocatalysts in the presence of hydrogen donors other than molecular hydrogen is also highlighted.