Towards a Zinc-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation/Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines

The first asymmetric hydrogenation/transfer hydrogenation of imines to amines using zinc(II) triflate in combination with chiral ligands is described. The monodentate binaphthophosphepine ligand (3?g) provided the highest enantioselectivities. Using different imines, the corresponding amines were obtained in moderate yields and enantioselectivities.