trans-RuCl2(phosphane)2(1,2-diamine) and Chiraltrans-RuCl2(diphosphane)(1,2-diamine): Shelf-Stable Precatalysts for the Rapid, Productive, and Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Ketones

A turnover number (TON) of 2 400 000 and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 63 s-1 are achieved with the chiral RuII complex 1 (R=p-CH3 C6 H4 ) in the asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenone. Carbonyl-selective asymmetric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones proceeds in the presence of these RuII catalysts, and 4-substituted cyclohexanones are selectively converted into cis alcohols.