The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of imines catalyzed by the Noyori-Ikariya [RuCl(η6-arene)(N-arylsulfonyl-DPEN)] (DPEN=1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2-diamine) half-sandwich complexes is a research topic that is still being intensively developed. This article focuses on selected aspects of this catalytic system. First, a great deal of attention is devoted to the N-arylsulfonyl moiety of the catalysts in terms of its interaction with protonated imines (substrates) and amines (components of the hydrogen-donor mixture). The second part is oriented toward the role of the η6-coordinated arene. The final part concerns the imine substrate structural modifications and their importance in connection with ATH. Throughout the text, the summary of known findings is complemented with newly-presented ones, which have been approached both experimentally and computationally.

• MeSH
• Hydrogenation MeSH
• Imines chemistry   MeSH
• Catalysis MeSH
• Molecular Structure MeSH
• Ruthenium chemistry   MeSH
• Stereoisomerism MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Imines MeSH
• Ruthenium MeSH

This review is oriented toward the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of imines regarding mostly fundamental, yet important topics from the practical point of view. Development of analytical methods for the monitoring of ATH (i.e., kinetics and stereoselectivity) belongs to those topics, as well as studies on the influence of reaction conditions and structural variations on the reaction performance. The second part is devoted to the reaction mechanism with the emphasis on imine ATH and catalyst behaviour under acidic conditions. The review also addresses the asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) of ketones and imines using molecular hydrogen and the application of ATH in pharmaceutical projects. The contributions of our group to each area are included.

• MeSH
• Alkenes chemistry   MeSH
• Hydrogenation MeSH
• Imines chemistry   MeSH
• Catalysis MeSH
• Ruthenium chemistry   MeSH
• Stereoisomerism MeSH
• Hydrogen chemistry   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Alkenes MeSH
• Imines MeSH
• Ruthenium MeSH
• Hydrogen MeSH