Asymmetric Hydrogenation of <i>N</i>‐Alkyl Ketimines with Phosphine‐Free, Chiral, Cationic Ru‐MsDPEN Catalysts

Abstract

(Solvent) free and easy: A phosphine-free, chiral, cationic Ru–MsDPEN complex [(S,S)-1] is found to be an efficient catalyst for the enantioselective hydrogenation of a range of often-problematic N-alkyl ketimines (see scheme). This new method provides a more practical and greener synthetic approach to optically active amines, particularly N-alkyl amines, such as Sertraline. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.