Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of γ-aryl α,γ-dioxo-butyric acid esters

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of a series of γ-aryl-α,γ-dioxo-butyric acid esters has been accomplished smoothly. Six ferrocene-based chiral ligands have been prepared and applied in the reactions respectively. Simultaneously, enantiopure Ts-DPEN's utilization in the ATH also has been investigated and the products were obtained in 30-85% chemical yields with 37-95.5% ee. Six ferrocene-based chiral ligands were prepared and applied in ATH reaction of multiple-carbonyl compounds as RuCl( p -cymene)[Ts-DPEN] did.