Asymmetric hydrogenation of cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones to chiral allylic alcohols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1997-6141

The Ru(II)-BINAP-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine combined catalyst system effects asymmetric hydrogenation of certain cyclic enones in 2-propanol containing KOH with a substrate/catalyst molar ratio of 250 to 2500. The hydrogenation occurs selectively at the C=O function with excellent enantio- or diastereoselectivity.