TRANSFER HYDROGENATION PROCESS

摘要

A catalytic transfer hydrogenation process is provided. The catalyst employe d in the process is a metal neutral hydrocarbyl complex which is coordinated t o defined bidentate ligands. Preferred metals include rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. Preferred bidentate ligands are diamines and aminoalcohols, particularly those comprising chiral centres. The hydrogen donor is advantageously a mixture of triethylamine and formic acid. The process can b e employed to transfer hydrogenate iminium salts, which are preferably prochir al.