Synthesis of a new class of ligands derived from isosorbide and their application to asymmetric reduction of aromatic ketones by transfer hydrogenation

A new class of beta-amino alcohol and diamine ligands has been prepared from isosorbide as a chiral renewable source. The efficiency of these ligands has been evaluated for the metal-catalyzed enantioselective reduction of aromatic ketones by transfer hydrogenation, giving excellent conversion and good enantioselectivity.