Recent studies on asymmetric hydrogenation. New catalysts and synthetic applications in organic synthesis

CODRu(eta(3)methylallyl)(2) is a versatile starting material for the preparation of a wide range of chiral bisphosphines ruthenium(II) complexes: (P*P)Ru(eta(3)methylallyl)(2) 2, Ru[X-4(P*P)(2)] 3, and cationic monohydride ruthenium complex 4. A facile synthesis of new C-2 electron-rich chiral phosphines, bis(phosphetano)benzene 8 and 1, 1' bis(phosphetano)ferrocene 10 is presented. Dynamic kinetic resolution was used for efficient syntheses of key components of the hexahydroazepane core 16 of balanol and of optically pure Boc-(2S,3R,3S)-iso-dolaproine 19. Catalyst 4 was used in asymmetric hydrogenation of 22 to give (+)-cis-methyl dihydrojasmonate in high enantioselectivity.