ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Imines via Metal-Organo Cooperative Catalysis

The combination of a chiral phosphoric acid with an iridium complex affords a catalyst that allows for highly enantioselective hydrogenation of imines. Mechanistic studies suggest that the hydrogenation proceeds through a ternary transition state at the ­hydride-transfer step, in which the organocatalyst interacts with both the hydride donor and acceptor.