Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aryl ketoesters with a chiral double-chain surfactant-type catalyst in water

A chiral double-chain surfactant-type ligand was designed and synthesized. The rhodium catalyst formed from the ligand can self-assemble into chiral vesicular aggregates in water, which was applied to the ATH of a broad range of aromatic ketoesters in neat water and gave up to 99% yield and 99% ee. In addition, this double-chain surfactant-type catalyst could also be applied to the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of bicyclic β-ketoesters in water.