Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroalkenes

Significance

Enantioselective catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most widely used methods in industry. Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) methods are particularly attractive because of their relatively simple implementation (see Review below). The authors describe an efficient and ­convenient asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of β,β-disubstituted nitroalkenes with a diamine-­derived iridium(III) complex 1 using formic acid as a reductant. The method delivers chiral nitroalkanes in good to excellent selectivity under mild and operationally simple conditions.

Review: T. Ikariya, A. J. Blacker Acc. Chem. Res. 2007, 40, 1300-1308.