Chiral Ferrocenyl Amino Alcohols: Preparation and Application as Catalysts in the Enantioselective Reduction of Ketones Using NaBH4/I2

Five novel chiral ferrocenyl amino alcohols were prepared from natural amino adds and used as catalysts in the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones with NaBH4/I2 combination. The incorporation of the ferrocenyl moiety into the molecule of the chiral amino alcohols greatly improved their enantioselectivity in the catalysis. The optically active secondary alcohols were obtained in moderate to good enantiomeric excesses and high chemical yields.