Catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation: an industrial perspective

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones and imines has emerged as a powerful alternative to asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) for the production of optically active alcohols and amines. The Noyori-type catalysts are still the most widely applied for industrial manufacture, because of their modularity, efficiency, stability and cost-effectiveness. The present review presents an account of recent examples of ATH reactions reported for the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Particular attention will be given to a case study on the ATH process developed as a key step in the synthesis of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Dorzolamide HCl.