A simple synthetic route to enantiopure α-hydroxy ketone derivatives by asymmetric hydrogenation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/adsc.201200224

High enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) have been observed for the catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of the α-ketone enol acetates. DuanPhos has been proved to be the most effective ligand for this reaction. The high yield and enantioselectivity of the asymmetric hydrogenation of the α-ketone enol acetates represents a feasible synthetic route to important pharmaceutical building blocks: α-hydroxy ketones. Copyright