| abstract |
A catalytic transfer hydrogenation process is provided. The catalyst employed in the process is a metal neutral hydrocarbyl complex which is coordinated to defined bidentate ligands. Preferred metals include rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. Preferred bidentate ligands are diamines and aminoalcohols, particularly those comprising chiral centres. The hydrogen donor is advantageously a mixture of triethylamine and formic acid. The process can be employed to transfer hydrogenate iminium salts, which are preferably prochiral. |