Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines and iminiums catalyzed by a water-soluble catalyst in water

The first asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of cyclic imines and iminiums in water was successfully performed in high yields and enantioselectivities with sodium formate as the hydrogen source and CTAB as an additive catalyzed by a water- soluble and recyclable ruthenium( II) complex of the ligand ( R, R)- 2.