Highly efficient chiral metal cluster systems derived from Ru3(CO)12 and chiral diiminodiphosphines for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones.

The chiral Ru cluster-based catalyst systems generated in situ from Ru3(CO)12 and chiral diiminodiphosphine tetradentate ligands effected asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of propiophenone in 2-propanol, leading to 1-phenyl-1-propanol in 94% yield and with 96% ee.