Dichloro[(R)-(-)-4,12-bis(di(3,5-xylyl)phosphino)-[2,2]-paracyclophane][(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine]ruthenium

Reaction

1. The Noyori [(diphosphine) RuCl2 (diamine)] catalysts containing the chiral ligand Xylyl-Phanephos display exceptional activity and enantioselectivity in the asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic, heteroaromatic and α,β-unsaturated ketones.
2. Reactions are performed under mild conditions at room temperature and typically at low H2 pressures of 2-10 bar. High substrate concentrations of up to 40% w/v are tolerated.
3. Molar substrate/catalyst ratios of up to 100,000/1 are achieved with excellent reactivity and enantioselectivity using commercial grade substrates and solvents.