Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines in water/methanol co-solvent system and mechanistic investigation by DFT study

Abstract

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various cyclic imines proceeded efficiently with H₂O/MeOH (1 : 1, v/v) co-solvent media in 20 min with excellent yields and enantioselectivities by using Rh–TsDPEN catalyst and HCOONa as a hydrogen donor.