Chiral [RuCl₂(dipyridylphosphane)(1,2‐diamine)] Catalysts: Applications in Asymmetric Hydrogenation of a Wide Range of Simple Ketones

The dipyridylphosphane/diamine–Ru complex combined with t BuOK in 2propanol acts as a very effective catalyst system for the enantioselective hydrogenation of a diverse range of simple ketones including heteroaromatic ketones, substituted benzophenones, alkenyl ketones, and cyclopropyl ketones. The combination of desirable features, such as quantitative chemical yields within hours, broad substrate scope, excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 %), and high substrate‐to‐catalyst ratios, among others, makes the present catalyst system of high practical interest.