Iron-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones

Significance

The authors report the synthesis of a novel iron catalyst which serves as the first efficient iron catalyst for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones. The scope includes a variety of aromatic ketones with moderate to good conversions and enantioselectivities. Non-aromatic ketones are challenging substrates as bulky groups next to the carbonyl are best for obtaining high enantioselectivities. A strong base is essential as no conversion is observed in its absence. Increasing the concentration of the ketone results in higher turnover numbers.