Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones Using an Iridium(I) Catalyst Containing Ferrocene-Based P—N—N Tridentate Ligands.

Abstract Six ferrocene-based P–N–N tridentate ligands have been synthesized and applied in the Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. A wide range of ketones are hydrogenated enantioselectively to afford the corresponding optically active alcohols in the enantioselectivities of up to 86.6% ee. The substituent groups on the P -phenyl and pyridine rings play an important role with regard to the enantioselectivity.