Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of cycloalkyl vinyl ketones to allylic alcohols catalyzed by ruthenium amido complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/c8ob02604a

A chemoselective 1,2-reduction of cycloalkyl vinyl ketones via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation is described. The reduction proceeded smoothly with a chiral diamine ruthenium complex as a catalyst and a HCOOH-NEt₃ azeotrope as both a hydrogen source and solvent under mild conditions. A wide range of 1-cycloalkyl chiral allylic alcohols were obtained in good yields and up to 87% ee. It was found that the alkyl group plays an important role in the enantioselectivity.