| abstract |
The present invention relates to compounds for use as catalysts, methods for producing said compounds and the use of said compounds as catalysts in catalytic processes including, but not limited to, the asymmetric reduction of imine and enamine compounds and/or the reductive animation of ketone compounds. A compound for use as a catalyst has the formula (I) wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each separately selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and aryl; X is oxygen or sulfur; and Z has the formula (II) wherein: R6 and R7 are each separately selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkoxy, nitro, halogen, alkyl and aryl, or R6 and R7 are linked to form a cyclic group; and Y is oxygen, sulfur or NR10 in which R10 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and aryl. |