Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones Using a Ruthenium(II) Catalyst Containing BINOL-Derived Monodonor Phosphorus-Donor Ligands

Abstract

[structure: see text] A series of ruthenium(II) complexes containing BINOL-based monodonor phosphorus ligands have been prepared and applied to the asymmetric catalysis of the hydrogenation of aryl/alkyl ketones. The best ligands for this application are those which contain an aromatic groups with either a methoxide or bromide on the ortho position. Using these ligands, alcohols with ee's of up to 99% are formed.