Highly enantioselective hydrogenation of new 2-functionalized quinoline derivatives

The asymmetric hydrogenation of a new series of 2-functionalized quinolines has been developed in the presence of in situ generated catalysts obtained from [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/(R)-bisphosphine/I-2 combinations. The enantioselectivity levels were as high as 84-94% ee for the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.