Cobalt-Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Quinolines under Mild Conditions
Abstract
A cobalt pincer complex has been designed, synthesized, and successfully applied to catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines under mild conditions. Containing a PNN ligand that features both a P and a C-stereogenic center, the cobalt catalyst allows for the hydrogenation of a variety of quinolines to afford chiral 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines with high yields and excellent enantioselectivities in general (51 examples, up to 99.9% ee). Probe reactions and DFT calculations suggest that the hydrogenation proceeds via a stepwise 1,2–1,2-hydride transfer pathway. The results obtained could provide a valuable hint for the development of more efficient 3 d transition metal catalysts for asymmetric catalysis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis
Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
Organoboron and organosilicon chemistry
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 148
- Issue
- 13
- Pages
- 14309–14319
- Publication date
- 24 March 2026
- Language
- EN