Ru(II) Complexes of Cyclohexane Diamine and Monodentate Phosphorus Ligands for Asymmetric Ketone Hydrogenation.

Abstract The incorporation of a trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane in place of DPEN provides improvements in enantioselectivity to asymmetric ketone hydrogenation reactions using BrXuPHOS–Ru–diamine catalysts. Substrates containing halogenated aryl rings are particularly compatible with this catalyst, however, α-chlorinated ketones remain resistant to reduction under any conditions.