trans-[RuCl2(phosphane)2(1,2-diamine)] and Chiraltrans-[RuCl2(diphosphane)(1,2-diamine)]: Shelf-Stable Precatalysts for the Rapid, Productive, and Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Ketones

Abstract

A turnover number (TON) of 2 400 000 and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 63 s^-1 are achieved with the chiral Ru^II complex 1 (R=p-CH₃ C₆ H₄ ) in the asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenone. Carbonyl-selective asymmetric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones proceeds in the presence of these Ru^II catalysts, and 4-substituted cyclohexanones are selectively converted into cis alcohols.