Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of 1,3-Alkoxy/Aryloxy Propanones Using Tethered Arene/Ru(II)/TsDPEN Complexes

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b00756
• Publication Date: 2017-05-16T11:07:06Z
• Authors: Sam Forshaw; Alexander J. Matt...; Thomas J. Brown; Louis J. Diorazio; Luke Williams; Martin Wills
• Keywords: Transfer hydrogenation; Electronic effect

A series of propanones containing combinations aryloxy and alkoxy substituents at the 1- 3-positions were reduced to alcohols via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation using a tethered Ru(II)/TsDPEN catalyst. The enantioselectivities reductions reveal complex pattern electronic steric effects which, when used in matched combination, can lead formation products up 68% ee (84:16 er) from this highly challenging class substrate.