| abstract |
An iridium-optically active phosphine complex is represented by the formula : [H 2 Ir(L 1 )(L 2 )]Y wherein L 1 is an optically active phosphine compound (II) or (III) :n wherein Ar is a phenyl group or a p- and/or m-lower (C1-4) alkyl-substituted phenyl group :n e.g. BINAP, L 2 is a tertiary phosphino compound of formula (IV):n wherein Z is a lower (C1-4) alkoxy group or a di-lower alkylamino group and A 1, 2 or 3 ; Y is BF 4 , PF s , CIO 4 or BPh 4 , wherein Ph is phenyl. n The complex can be synthesised from an optically active phosphine compound L 1 by reaction with [Ir(COD)(CH 3 CN) 2 ]Y and then with L 2 and hydrogen. n The complex is used as catalyst in enantioselective hydrogenations, e.g. of 3-oxotetrahydrothiophene or of an unsaturated ketone, to give optically active products in high yields and in high purity. |