The rapid hydrogenation of simple aromatic ketones is accomplished by using a combination of (η 5 -C 5 (CH 3 ) 5 )Ru complexes and primary amines as a catalyst in 2-propanol. In particular, 1,2-diamines with primary and tertiary amino groups at both ends exhibit a significant ligand acceleration effect. Isotope-labeling experiments using D 2 and 2-propanol-d n reveal that 2-propanol participates in the activation of H 2 based on a metal/NH bifunctional effect to facilitate the hydrogenation. Asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral simple ketones with the chiral version of the catalysts provides optically active secondary alcohols with up to 95% ee.
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