Asymmetric Hydrogenation of <i>tert</i>‐Alkyl Ketones: DMSO Effect in Unification of Stereoisomeric Ruthenium Complexes

Abstract

Face off: The ruthenium complexes of a new axially chiral PNN ligand (L) are highly efficient in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for hydrogenation of both functionalized and unfunctionalized tert-alkyl ketones. DMSO is thought to narrow down the many possible complex stereoisomers into a single facial L/Ru complex, thus enhancing the reactivity, selectivity, and productivity.