Phosphine-free Cp*Ru(diamine) catalysts in the hydrogenation of imines

We previously reported the phosphine-free Cp*Ru(diamine)-catalyzed hydrogenation of aryl methyl ketones. Herein we present the first report of ruthenium-diamine-catalyzed imine hydrogenation to form amines. The most effective catalyst, I/KOtBu, completely converted several imines to amines at room temperature. The effect of electron-donating and -with- drawing groups on the reaction was investigated using a suitable series of substrates. The asymmetric version of the reaction was studied for two substrates, and the chiral amine products could be obtained in moderate enantiomeric excess.