A theoretically-guided optimization of a new family of modular P,S-ligands for iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of minimally functionalized olefins

Abstract

A library of modular iridium complexes derived from thioether-phosphite/phosphinite ligands has been evaluated in the asymmetric iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of minimally functionalized olefins. The modular ligand design has been shown to be crucial in finding highly selective catalysts for each substrate. A DFT study of the transition state responsible for the enantiocontrol in the Ir-catalyzed hydrogenation is also described and used for further optimization of the crucial stereodefining moieties. Excellent enantioselectivities (enantiomeric excess (ee) values up to 99 %) have been obtained for a range of substrates, including E- and Z-trisubstituted and disubstituted olefins, α,β-unsaturated enones, tri- and disubstituted alkenylboronic esters, and olefins with trifluoromethyl substituents.

Keywords: asymmetric synthesis; density functional theory; hydrogenation; iridium; ligands.