Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines in water/methanol co-solvent system and mechanistic investigation by DFT study

Abstract

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various cyclic imines proceeded efficiently with water/methanol co-solvent media in 20 min with excellent yields and enantioselectivities by employing Rh–TsDPEN catalyst and sodium formate as a hydrogen donor. The role of the co-solvent in enhanced productivity of the reaction was investigated by DFT. The mechanism for ATH of the imines has been discussed on the basis of the DFT study.