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.