(η6-arene)RuII/chiral SN ligand: A novel bifunctional catalyst system for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-0029-1217349

A binary catalyst system of [RuCl₂(η⁶-arene)] ₂ and a protic aminothiol (SN) ligand has been found to promote hydrogen transfer between alcohols and carbonyl compounds. The chiral catalyst system with the pipecolinol-derived chiral SN ligand displays excellent stereoselectivity in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones using HCO₂H-Et₃N. Novel unsymmetrical bis(thiolate)- bridged binuclear complex, which is relevant to the generation of catalytically active species, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart.