Facile access to chiral anti-1,2-diol derivatives via Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-alkoxy-β-ketoesters

Abstract

The iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-alkoxy-β-ketoesters via dynamic kinetic resolution has been achieved with high efficiency and enantioselectivity. This strategy allows for the synthesis of differentiated anti-1,2-diol derivatives in high yields, exhibiting excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to 99% yield, 99% ee, and 99 : 1 dr). Additionally, high turnover number (TON) experiments (up to 1000 TON) and gram-scale synthesis of a key fragment of the potential drug Tesaglitazar were successfully performed, highlighting the protocol's potential for broader applications.