A new class of Rh(III) catalyst containing an aminoalcohol tethered to a tetramethylcyclopentadienyl group for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones

The synthesis and application to asymmetric reduction of acetophenone, of a novel class of Rh(III) catalyst containing a tether between the cyclopentadienyl group and a homochiral aminoalcohol, is described. The complex is a highly active catalyst for asymmetric ketone reduction, however it appears to be unstable to the extended reaction conditions. The well-defined stereochemical structure of the catalyst offers potential for significant improvement and ‘fine tuning’ towards specific substrates.