title: Ru(II) complexes of N-alkylated TsDPEN ligands in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones and imines.
abstract: N-Alkylated TsDPEN derivatives bearing a small alkyl group act as highly efficient ligands in Ru(II) complexes for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines and ketones. A larger alkyl group serves to significantly reduce the activity of the catalyst; however, high enantiomeric excesses are still obtained. An X-ray crystal structure of the N-benzyl derivative reveals a conformation that permits hydrogen transfer through a six-membered transition state. A transition state structure for the imine reduction process is proposed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: José E D
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Guy J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Clarkson
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wills