Abstract

The enantioselective hydrogenation of prochiral ketonesusing H2 as reducing agent is a valuable method of producingchiral alcohols as intermediates for the pharmaceuticaland fine chemical industry. Iridium-based catalysts are ofincreasing interest in this innovative field. We present hereina new lead structure. The novel phosphorus-free N,N,OHligand stabilised iridium complexes are able to hydrogenatesimple ketones with excellent enantioselectivities under mildconditions. The catalysts were easily synthesised from air andmoisture stable reactants and have a great commercialpotential. The modular nature ensures the introduction of abroad variety of substitution patterns.