A theoretically-guided optimization of a new family of modular P,S-ligands for iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of minimally functionalized olefins.

A library of modular iridium complexes derived from thioether-phosphite/phosphinite ligands has been evaluated in the asymmetric iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of minimally functionalized olefins. The modular ligand design has been shown to be crucial in finding highly selective catalysts for each substrate. A DFT study of the transition state responsible for the enantiocontrol in the Ir-catalyzed hydrogenation is also described and used for further optimization of the crucial stereodefining moieties. Excellent enantioselectivities (enantiomeric excess (ee) values up to 99 %) have been obtained for a range of substrates, including E- and Z-trisubstituted and disubstituted olefins, α,ß-unsaturated enones, tri- and disubstituted alkenylboronic esters, and olefins with trifluoromethyl substituents.

Highly versatile Pd-thioether-phosphite catalytic systems for asymmetric allylic alkylation, amination, and etherification reactions.

A Pd-furanoside thioether-phosphite catalytic system that can create new C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds in several substrate types using a wide range of nucleophiles in high yields and enantioselectivities has been identified. Of particular note are the excellent enantioselectivities obtained in the etherification of linear and cyclic substrates. The potential application of the new Pd-thioether-phosphite catalytic systems was also demonstrated by the synthesis of the chiral carbo- and heterocycles.