Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones in 2-propanol catalyzed by arsinooxazoline–ruthenium(II) complex

Chiral arsinooxazoline Ru(II) complex has been found to be an efficient catalyst for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in 2-propanol. Secondary alcohols with up to 94% enantiomeric excess were obtained at a substrate/catalyst mole ratio of 1000:1. Asymmetric kinetic resolution has also been obtained with 1-arylalkanols at room temperature with 99% ee.