Synfacts 2006(10): 1020-1020  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949322
Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones with Chiral Ruthenium Catalysts

Contributor(s): Hisashi Yamamoto, Joshua P. Abell
T. Ohkuma, N. Utsumi, K. Tsutsumi, K. Murata, C. Sandoval, R. Noyori*
Nagoya University, Hokkaido University, Sapporo and Kanto Chemical Co., Saitama, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 September 2006 (online)

Significance

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) and asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) are mechanistically linked by a metal hydride species. The authors describe a catalytic system that can switch from one mechanism to the other during the reaction process. Using only a few substrates, the authors demonstrate this mechanism switch obtaining almost quantitative yields in most cases, and almost perfect enantioselectivities.