A Tetradentate Ligand Enables Iron-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones in a CO- or Isocyanide-Free Fashion

作者：Yang, Lei; Tan, Xuefeng; Zhao, Menglong; Wen, Jialin^*; Zhang, Xumu^*

来源：Chemistry - A European Journal, 2023.

DOI：10.1002/chem.202301609

• tetradentate ligand
• iron catalysis
• asymmetric hydrogenation
• ketone
• strong-field ligand

We herein reported the design and synthesis of a ferrocene-based tetradentate ligand that is featured with modular synthesis and rigid skeleton. Its iron(II) complex facilitates asymmetric direct hydrogenation of ketones without the participation of extra strong-field ligand such as CO and isocyanide. Hydride donor lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) converted non-reactive Fe(II) species to reactive Fe(II) hydride species. With this catalyst, various chiral alcohols including the intermediate for montelukast could be prepared with satisfactory yields and enantioinduction. @@@ A ferrocene-based tetradentate ligand featured with modular synthesis and rigid skeleton was reported. Its iron(II) complex facilitates asymmetric direct hydrogenation of ketones without the participation of extra strong-field ligand such as CO and isocyanide. Various chiral alcohols including the intermediate for montelukast could be prepared with satisfactory yields and enantioinduction.image