Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of cycloalkyl vinyl ketones to allylic alcohols catalyzed by ruthenium amido complexes†
Sensheng Liu,Peng Cui,Juan Wang,Qixing Liu,Jinliang Lv
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date : 12/04/2018 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C8OB02604A
Abstract

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.

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