Dynamic Kinetic Resolution under Ruthenium-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation

Significance

The authors report on the asymmetric synthesis of anti-β-hydroxy-α-amido esters via ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation. These building blocks are important as they are constituents of a number of biologically relevant molecules. The anti selectivity is noteworthy and the authors put forth a simple model for understanding the diastereoselectivity of this transformation.