Regioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Monohydrogenation of 1,4-Dienes.

A highly efficient regio- and enantioselective monohydrogenation of 1,4-dienes has been realized using an iridium catalyst with a chiral N,P-ligand under mild conditions. The substrate scope was studied and included both unfunctionalized as well as functionalized substituents on the meta- or para-position. Substrates having substituents with functionalities such as silyl protected alcohols or ketals were monohydrogenated in high regioselectivity and high enantiomeric excess (up to 98% ee).