P-Stereogenic Ir-MaxPHOX: A Step toward Privileged Catalysts for Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Nonchelating Olefins
Maria Biosca, Pol de la Cruz‐Sánchez, Jorge Faiges, Jèssica Margalef, Ernest Salomó, Antoni Riéra, Xavier Verdaguer, Joan Ferré, Feliu Maseras, María Besora, Òscar Pàmies, Montserrat Diéguez
Abstract
The Ir-MaxPHOX-type catalysts demonstrated high catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of a wide range of nonchelating olefins with different geometries, substitution patterns, and degrees of functionalization. These air-stable and readily available catalysts have been successfully applied in the asymmetric hydrogenation of di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted olefins (ee's up to 99%). The combination of theoretical calculations and deuterium labeling experiments led to the uncovering of the factors responsible for the enantioselectivity observed in the reaction, allowing the rationalization of the most suitable substrates for these Ir-catalysts.