Selective Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of [alpha]-Substituted Acetophenones with Bifunctional Oxo-Tethered Ruthenium(II) Catalysts

A practical method for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of [alpha]-substituted ketones was developed utilizing oxo-tethered N-sulfonyldiamine-ruthenium complexes. Reduction by HCO2H and HCO2K in a mixed solvent of EtOAc/H2O allowed for the selective synthesis of halohydrins from 2-bromoacetophenone (98%) and 2-chloroacetophenone (>99%), leading to suppressed undesired side reactions stemming from formylation under the typical reaction conditions using an azeotropic 5:2 mixture of HCO2H and Et3N. A range of functional groups, such as halogens, methoxy, nitro, dimethylamino, and ester groups, were well tolerated, highlighting the potential of this method. Nearly complete selectivity with a preferable ee was maintained even with a substrate/catalyst (S/C) ratio of 5000. This catalyst system was also effective for the asymmetric reduction of [alpha]-sulfonated ketones without eroding the leaving group.