Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Imines and Olefins Using Phosphine‐Oxazoline Iridium Complexes as Catalysts

Abstract

Herein we describe the synthesis of a new class of chiral phosphine-oxazolines and their application as ligands in iridium-catalyzed hydrogenations. Mechanistic aspects of olefin hydrogenation with this class of iridium catalysts are discussed and a selectivity model to help rationalize the results obtained is also presented.