Transfer Hydrogenation in Water: Enantioselective, Catalytic Reduction of (E)-β,β-Disubstituted Nitroalkenes

A mild catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of beta,beta-disubstituted nitroalkenes is reported. Formic acid is used as a reductant in combination with an Ir catalyst. The reaction is conducted in water at low pH and open to air to give adducts in preparatively useful yield and selectivity.