A Ni-catalyzed highly enantioselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated sulfones was successfully realized achieving high yields (91–98%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99.9% ee).
This review summarizes the recent advances (2016–2023) in the stereoselective metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones, lactams and lactones since considerable developments were made. Where possible the application of these methodologies in synthesis is outlined.
The highly enantioselective hydrogenation of allylic sulfones catalyzed by Rh-(R,R)-f-spiroPhos for synthesis of chiral β-ester sulfones has been developed for the first time achieving high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (92–99.9% ee).
An efficient Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of tetrahydro-γ-carboline affords chiral cis-hexahydro-γ-carboline derivatives with high yields and enantioselectivities, enabled by a ZhaoPhos ligand and applicable to lumateperone intermediates.
A general and efficient rhodium(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of γ-butenolides and γ-hydroxybutenolides was disclosed, providing a wide range of chiral γ-butyrolactones in high yields and enantioselectivities with Rh/ZhaoPhos as a catalyst.