Transition metal catalysts asymmetric reductive amination

The asymmetric catalytic reduction of ketones (R2C=0) and imines (R2C=NR) with certain organohydrosilanes and transition-metal catalysts is named hydrosilylation and has been recognized as a versatile method providing optically active secondary alcohols and primary or secondary amines (Scheme 1) [1]. In this decade, high enantioselectivity over 90% has been realized by several catalytic systems [2,3]. Therefore the hydrosilylation can achieve a sufficient level to be a preparative method for the asymmetric reduction of double bond substrates. In addition, the manipulative feasibility of the catalytic hydrosilylation has played a major role as a probe reaction of asymmetric catalysis, so that the potential of newly designed chiral ligands and catalysts can be continuously scrutinized. 

Asymmetric catalysis undertook a quantum leap with the discovery of ruthenium and rhodium catalysts based on the atropisomeric bisphosphine, BINAP (3a). These catalysts have displayed remarkable versatility and enantioselectivity in the asymmetric reduction and isomerization of a,P- and y-keto esters functionalized ketones allylic alcohols and amines oc,P-unsaturated carboxylic acids and enamides. Asymmetric transformation with these catalysts has been extensively studied and reviewed.81315 3536 The key feature of BINAP is the rigidity of the ligand during coordination on a transition metal center, which is critical during enantiofacial selection of the substrate by the catalyst. Several industrial processes currently use these technologies, whereas a number of other opportunities show potential for scale up. 

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