Cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones: A remarkable additive effect on enantioselectivity

A chiral cobalt pincer complex, when combined with an achiral electron-rich mono-phosphine ligand, catalyzes efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide range of aryl ketones, affording chiral alcohols with high yields and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (29 examples, up to 93% ee). Notably, the achiral mono-phosphine ligand shows a remarkable effect on the enantioselectivity of the reaction. (C) 2020 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A chiral cobalt pincer complex combined with an achiral electron-rich mono-phosphine ligand catalyzes efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl ketones, yielding chiral alcohols with high yields and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities. The achiral mono-phosphine ligand has a remarkable effect on the enantioselectivity of the reaction.