title: Direct observations of the metal-ligand bifunctional addition step in an enantioselective ketone hydrogenation.
abstract: The catalytic intermediate trans-[Ru((R)-BINAP)(H)2((R,R)-dpen)] (1) reacted on mixing with acetophenone in THF at -80 degrees C under approximately 2 atm H2 to generate the alkoxide trans-Ru((R)-BINAP)(H)((Ph)(Me)CHO)((R,R)-dpen) (6). Contrary to expectations, free Ru-amide and 1-phenylethanol were not the immediate products of this addition reaction. The addition reaction was reversible in THF. 2-Propanol prevents racemization of the alcohol product in THF solvent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2.
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Steven H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Bergens