Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α-Keto Amides; Highly Enantioselective Formation of Malic Acid Diamides and α-Hydroxyamides.

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of α-keto-1,4-diamides using a tethered Ru/TsDPEN catalyst was achieved in high ee. Studies on derivatives identified the structural elements which lead to the highest enantioselectivities in the products. The α-keto-amide reduction products have been converted to a range of synthetically valuable derivatives.