Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of imines
Alejandro Baeza1, Andreas Pfaltz
1Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We have evaluated a wide range of iridium complexes derived from chiral oxazoline-based N,P ligands for the asymmetric hydrogenation of imines and identified three efficient catalysts. These catalysts are readily synthesized by straightforward convenient routes and are air and moisture stable. In the reduction of acetophenone N-arylimines and related acyclic substrates, excellent enantioselectivities (up to 96 % ee) were obtained by using 0.1-0.5 mol % of catalyst at -20 degrees C and 5-50 bar hydrogen pressure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine Formation Mechanism
Imines are formed under mildly acidic conditions. A pH of 4.5 is ideal for the reaction.
If the pH is low or the solution is too acidic, the reaction slows down in the...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine and Enamine Formation Overview
Radical Anti-Markovnikov Addition to Alkenes: Overview

