Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketonic substrates catalyzed by (η5-C5Me5)MCl complexes (M = Rh and Ir) of (1S, 2S)-N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/cl.1998.1199

The rhodium and iridium (η⁵-C₅Me₅)MCl complexes (3a: M = Rh; 3b: M = Ir) of (1S,25)-N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine were found to be catalyst precursors for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone, 2-acetonaphthone, 1-tetralone, and 1-indanone to give (S)-1-phenylethanol (90% ee), (S)-1-(2-naphthyl)ethanol (85% ee), (S)-1-tetralol (97% ee), and (S)-indanol (99% ee), respectively.