A mechanochemical asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of diketones in the presence
of a ruthenium complex under solvent-free conditions was developed to provide chiral
1,3-diol derivatives. This protocol benefits from rapid reaction kinetics, no use
of solvents, and excellent enantioselectivity. In addition, the mechanochemical ATH
reaction can easily be performed on a gram scale.
Key words
asymmetric catalysis - transfer hydrogenation - mechanochemistry - diols - ruthenium
catalysis - solvent-free reaction