Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones

Significance

Several methods exist for the reduction of prochiral ketones to enantiomerically enriched secondary alcohols. These methods include hydrogenation, hydrosilation, and transfer hydrogenation. Typical catalysts include palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium. Recently, iron has been investigated by several research groups as a less expensive, non-toxic alternative to these precious metals.