Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α-Keto Amides; Highly Enantioselective Formation of Malic Acid Diamides and α-Hydroxyamides.

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of α-keto-1,4-diamides using a tethered Ru/TsDPEN catalyst was achieved in high ee. Studies on derivatives identified the structural elements which lead to the highest enantioselectivities in the products. The α-keto-amide reduction products have been converted to a range of synthetically valuable derivatives.

Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation: Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of α-Amino Ketones.

A series of α-amino ketones were reduced using asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) through a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR). The protecting group was matched to the reducing agent, and following optimization, a series of substrates were investigated, giving products in high diastereoselectivity, over 99% ee in several cases and full conversion. The methodology was applied to the enantioselective synthesis of an MDM2-p53 inhibitor precursor.