Highly Efficient Catalyst Systems Using Iron Complexes with a Tetradentate PNNP Ligand for the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Polar Bonds

Abstract

Iron competes with pricey ruthenium: The first catalyst systems using iron complexes for asymmetric H2 hydrogenation at 50 °C and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation at room temperature has been discovered. The transfer hydrogenation activity is similar to that of the best ruthenium catalyst. Surprisingly, the precatalysts have a tetradentate diiminodiphosphine ligand which has no NH functionality. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2008/z705115_s.pdf or from the author. 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.