A base-controlled chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by [IrCp*Cl2]2 with 2-propanol

Abstract

A simple homogeneous catalyst system based on commercially available [IrCp*Cl₂]₂ has been developed for the conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones. Under the optimized conditions, a wide range of α,β-unsaturated ketones were reduced to saturated ketones in 83–98% yield. While switching the base from K₂CO₃ to KOH, saturated alcohols was selectively obtained.