Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized enamines

Chemistry. 2009;15(10):2266-9. doi: 10.1002/chem.200802576.

Abstract

Optically active tertiary amines are readily prepared by iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized enamines (see scheme). The best enantioselectivities with >90% ee were obtained with N-aryl- and N-benzyl-substituted enamines with a terminal double bond. The hydrogenation of enamines derived from cyclic ketones, which has not been reported yet with other catalysts, gave enantiomeric excesses of up to 87%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines / chemical synthesis*
  • Catalysis
  • Hydrogenation
  • Iridium / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Amines
  • Iridium