Asymmetric reduction of ortho-multisubstituted benzophenones catalyzed by diamine–Zn–diol complexes

The asymmetric reduction of benzophenones multisubstituted at the ortho-positions was achieved via hydrosilylation catalyzed by in situ generated chiral diamine–Zn–diol complexes under mild conditions, wherein polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) served as a safe and inexpensive source of hydride.