Catalytic performance of Noyori–Ikariya-type ruthenium complex with tethered syn-ULTAM ligand for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones

The ruthenium complex of the tethered syn-ULTAM ligand, i.e. syn-3-(α-aminobenzyl)-benzo-γ-sultam, has been evaluated for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of a variety of ketones in formic acid/triethylamine mixture. Its performance was similar to the established Noyori–Ikariya-type catalysts for the reduction of benzo-fused cyclic ketones, but the enantioselectivity for the reduction of acetophenone was only moderate. The syn-ULTAM-based catalyst was particularly efficient and enantioselective for ATH of the sterically demanding α,α-disubstituted ketones. Moreover, we report a divergent ATH of 2-phenyl-1,3-indandione to either cis-2-phenyl-1-indanol, or cis,trans-2-phenyl-1,3-indandiol.