Tandem α‐Alkylation/Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Acetophenones with Primary Alcohols

Abstract

AbstractA tandem α‐alkylation/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenones with primary alcohols, mediated by a single ruthenium catalyst, is described. Under optimized reaction conditions and with use of [Ru(p‐cymene)Cl2]2 in combination with an amino acid hydroxyamide ligand, the chiral secondary alcohol products were isolated in moderate yields and in moderate to good enantiomeric excess (up to 89 % ee).