Use of tridentate TsDPEN/pyridine ligands in ruthenium-catalysed asymmetric reduction of ketones

A series of enantiomerically pure tridentate ligands based on the 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine structure, containing additional pyridine groups, was prepared and tested in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones using Ru3(CO)12 as a metal source. Alcohols were formed in up to 93% ee in the best cases, and good results were obtained with ortho-haloarylketones.