Alkynyl: straight-chain or branched hydrocarbyl substituents having 2 to 8, preferably 2 to 6, and more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms and one triple bond in any position, for example (but not limited to) C₂-C₆-alkynyl, such as ethynyl, prop-1-ynyl, prop-2-ynyl, but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 1-methylprop-2-ynyl, pent-1-ynyl, pent-2-ynyl, pent-3-ynyl, pent-4-ynyl, 2-methylbut-3-ynyl, 1-methylbut-3-ynyl, 1-methylbut-2-ynyl, 3-methylbut-1-ynyl, 1-ethylprop-2-ynyl, hex-1-ynyl, hex-2-ynyl, hex-3-ynyl, hex-4-ynyl, hex-5-ynyl, 3-methylpent-4-ynyl, 2-methylpent-4-ynyl, 1-methylpent-4-ynyl, 2-methylpent-3-ynyl, 1-methylpent-3-ynyl, 4-methylpent-2-ynyl, 1-methylpent-2-ynyl, 4-methylpent-1-ynyl, 3-methylpent-1-ynyl, 2-ethylbut-3-ynyl, 1-ethylbut-3-ynyl, 1-ethylbut-2-ynyl, 1-propylprop-2-ynyl, 1-isopropylprop-2-ynyl, 2,2-dimethylbut-3-ynyl, 1,1-dimethylbut-3-ynyl, 1,1-dimethylbut-2-ynyl, or 3,3-dimethylbut-1-ynyl group. Particularly, said alkynyl group is ethynyl, prop-1-ynyl, or prop-2-ynyl. This definition also applies to alkynyl as part of a composite substituent unless defined elsewhere.

Alkylamino: monoalkylamino or dialkylamino, wherein monoalkylamino represents an amino radical having one alkyl residue with 1 to 4 carbon atoms attached to the nitrogen atom. Non-limiting examples include methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino, n-butylamino and tert-butylamino. Wherein dialkylamino represents an amino radical having two independently selected alkyl residues with 1 to 4 carbon atoms each attached to the nitrogen atom. Non-limiting examples include N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethyl-amino, N,N-diisopropylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N-methyl-N-n-propylamino, N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino and N-tert-butyl-N-methylamino.

Alkoxy: saturated, straight-chain or branched alkoxy substituents having 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example (but not limited to) C₁-C₆-alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 1-methylethoxy, butoxy, 1-methylpropoxy, 2-methylpropoxy, 1,1-dimethylethoxy, pentoxy, 1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, 1,1-dimethylpropoxy, 1,2-dimethylpropoxy, hexoxy, 1-methylpentoxy, 2-methylpentoxy, 3-methylpentoxy, 4-methylpentoxy, 1,1-dimethylbutoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, 1,3-dimethylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy, 3,3-dimethylbutoxy, 1-ethylbutoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy. This definition also applies to alkoxy as part of a composite substituent unless defined elsewhere.

Cycloalkyl: mono- or polycyclic, saturated hydrocarbyl substituents having 3 to 12, preferably 3 to 8 and more preferably 3 to 6 carbon ring members, for example (but not limited to) cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and adamantyl. This definition also applies to cycloalkyl as part of a composite substituent, for example C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, unless defined elsewhere.

Haloalkyl: straight-chain or branched alkyl substituents having 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms (as specified above), in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as specified above, for example (but not limited to) C₁-C₃-haloalkyl such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl and 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-yl. This definition also applies to haloalkyl as part of a composite substituent unless defined elsewhere.

Haloalkenyl and haloalkynyl are defined analogously to haloalkyl except that, instead of alkyl groups, alkenyl and alkynyl groups are present as part of the substituent.

Haloalkoxy: straight-chain or branched alkoxy substituents having 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms (as specified above), in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as specified above, for example (but not limited to) C₁-C₃-haloalkoxy such as chloromethoxy, bromomethoxy, dichloromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chlorofluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy, 1-chloroethoxy, 1-bromoethoxy, 1-fluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy, pentafluoroethoxy and 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-oxy. This definition also applies to haloalkoxy as part of a composite substituent, unless defined elsewhere.

Aryl: mono-, bi- or tricyclic aromatic or partially aromatic substituents having 6 to 14 carbon atoms, for example (but not limited to) phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronapthyl, indenyl and indanyl. The binding to the superordinate general structure can be carried out via any possible ring member of the aryl residue. Aryl is preferably selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 9-phenantryl und 9-antracenyl. Phenyl is particularly preferred.

The term “enantioselective” as used herein means that one of the two possible enantiomers of the hydrogenation product, namely the enantiomer of the formula (Ia) or the enantiomer of the formula (Ib), is preferably formed. The “enantiomeric excess” or “ee” indicates the degree of enantioselectivity:

%
⁢

ee

=

major
⁢

enantiomer
⁢

(
mol
)

-

minor
⁢

enantiomer
⁢

(
mol
)

major
⁢

enantiomer
⁢

(
mol
)

+

minor
⁢

enantiomer
⁢

(
mol
)

×
100
⁢
%

The major enantiomer can be controlled by the selection of the chiral ligand, for example by selecting the chiral ligand of the formula (IIIa) or the opposite enantiomer (the ligand of the formula (IIIb)), or respectively by selecting the chiral ligand of the formula (IVa) or the opposite enantiomer (the ligand of the formula (IVb)).

The process according to the invention is used for preparing the compound of the formula (Ta) or (Ib), preferably (Ia).

Preferred are compounds of the formula (Ia) or (Ib), in particular (Ia), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹is C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy
- R²and R³are the same and are selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, phenyl or benzyl,
- n is 0, 1 or 2,
- each substituent R⁵, if present, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-haloalkyl.

More preferred are compounds of the formula (Ia) or (Ib), in particular (Ia), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹is C₁-C₆-alkyl
- R²and R³are the same and are selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl,
- n is 0, 1 or 2,
- each substituent R⁵, if present, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl.

Even more preferred are compounds of the formula (Ia) or (Ib), in particular (Ia), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹is methyl, ethyl or n-propyl,
- R²and R³are methyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- n is 0, 1 or 2,
- each substituent R⁵, if present, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl.

Most preferred are compounds of the formula (Ia) or (Ib), in particular (Ia), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹is methyl or n-propyl,
- R²and R³are methyl,
- R⁴is methyl,
- n is 0 or 1,
- substituent R⁵, if present, is fluorine.

The process according to the invention comprises enantioselective hydrogenation of the compound of the formula (II). The substituents R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵and the integer n in the compound of the formula (II) are each as defined for the compound of the formula (Ta) or (Ib).

The enantioselective hydrogenation of the compound of the formula (II) is conducted in presence of an additive selected from the group consisting of Brønsted acids, Lewis acids, and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, acetic acid, trifluoromethylsulfonic acid, water, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, tetrafluoroboric acid, tetrafluoroboric acid diethylether complex, nafion, amberlyst, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)propan-2-ol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, borane tetrahydrofurane complex, boric acid, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, zinc (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable complexes of boron trifluoride are complexes of boron trifluoride with organic solvents, such as dialkyl ethers or alcohols, and complexes of boron trifluoride with organic acids, such as carboxylic acids. Preferred boron trifluoride complexes are selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

In a more preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, tetrafluoroboric acid diethylether complex, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the boron trifluoride complexes are preferably selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

In a even more preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the boron trifluoride complexes are preferably selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

In the most preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the additive is selected from the group consisting of aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, hexafluorophosphoric acid, boron trifluoride, boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

The amount of additive selected from the group consisting of Brønsted acids and Lewis acids used is preferably within the range of from 0.1 mol % to 10 mol %, more preferably 0.2 mol % to 5 mol %, most preferably 0.3 mol % to 2 mol %, in particular 0.4 mol % to 1 mol %, based on the amount of the compound of the formula (II).

The enantioselective hydrogenation of the compound of the formula (II) is conducted in presence of a chiral iridium catalyst comprising a chiral ligand of the formula (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa) or (IVb).

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the substituents of formulae (Ia), (Ib), (II), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa), (IVb), (Ixa) and (Ixb) are defined as follows:

- R¹is C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy
- R²and R³are the same and are selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, phenyl or benzyl,
- n is 0, 1 or 2,
- each substituent R⁵, if present, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,
- R⁶is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₇-cycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another hydrogen selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₄-alkyl substituents,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl, C₆-C₁₄-aryloxy and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino moieties are optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl may be substituted by one to five substituents selected independently from each other from halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, and
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl, C₆-C₁₄-aryloxy and C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, as such or as part of a composite substituent, in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents or
- R⁹and R¹⁰together with the phosphorus atom which they are bound to, form a phospholane ring, which may be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆-alkyl groups,
- m is 1 or 2,
- A is

[Image Omitted]

- - in which the bond identified by “*” is bound directly to the phosphorus atom and in which the bond identified by “#” is bound directly to the oxazoline moiety,
- R¹³is C₃-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, or
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵together with the carbon which they are bound to, form a C₅-C₆-cycloalkyl ring,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₁-C₆-alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl may be substituted by one to five substituents selected independently from each other from halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, and
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, or
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷together with the phosphorus atom which they are bound to, form a phospholane ring, which may be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆-alkyl groups,
- R¹⁹is phenyl, t-butyl,
- R²⁰is hydrogen, methyl,
- R²¹is benzyl, methyl,
- R²²is cyclohexyl,
- and the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, trifluoromethyl sulfonic acid, water, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, tetrafluoroboric acid, tetrafluoroboric acid diethylether complex, nafion, amberlyst, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)propan-2-ol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, borane tetrahydrofurane complex, boric acid, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, zinc (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the boron trifluoride complexes are preferably selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

In a more preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the substituents of formulae (Ia), (Ib), (II), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa), (IVb), (IXa), and (IXb) are defined as follows:

- R¹is C₁-C₆-alkyl,
- R²and R³are the same and are selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, phenyl or benzyl,
- n is 0, 1 or 2,
  - each substituent R⁵, if present, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,
- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl or phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of ethyl, iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, adamantyl and benzyl, and
- m is 1 or 2,
- A is

[Image Omitted]

- - in which the bond identified by “*” is bound directly to the phosphorus atom and in which the bond identified by “#” is bound directly to the oxazoline moiety,
- R¹³is tert-butyl, iso-propyl or phenyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are methyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are each the same and 2-methylphenyl or 3,5-bismethylphenyl, and the additive is selected from the group consisting of aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, hexafluorophosphoric acid, boron trifluoride and complexes of boron trifluoride, wherein the complexes of boron trifluoride are preferably selected from boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex,
- R¹⁹is phenyl,
- R²⁰is methyl,
- R²¹is benzyl,
- R²²is cyclohexyl,
- and the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-penta-fluorophenyl)borane, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the complexes of boron trifluoride are preferably selected from boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

In the most preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the substituents of formulae (Ia), (Ib), (II), (IIIa), (IIIb) are defined as follows:

- R¹is C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R²and R³are methyl,
- R⁴is C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- n is 0 or 1
- R⁵if present, is fluorine,
- R⁶phenyl, 2,6- or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromehtylphenyl, 1-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 9-phenantryl or 2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl,
- R⁷is hydrogen,
- R⁸is hydrogen or methyl,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are each the same and selected from the group consisting of ethyl, iso-propyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl, adamantyl and cyclohexyl,
- m is 1.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the ligand of the formula (IIIa) or (IIIb) is used. Depending on whether compound (Ia) or (Ib) is the desired product, the ligand of the formula (IIIa) or (IIIb) is selected.

Preferred are ligands of the formulae (IIIa) and (IIIb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R⁶is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₇-cycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄-aryl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₄-alkyl substituents,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl, C₆-C₁₄-aryloxy and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino moieties are optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl may be substituted by one to five substituents selected independently from each other from halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, and
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryloxy, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl and C₆-C₁₄-aryl, as such or as part of a composite substituent, in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents or
- R⁹and R¹⁰together with the phosphorus atom which they are bound to, form a phospholane ring, which may be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆-alkyl groups, and
- m is 1 or 2.

More preferred are ligands of the formulae (IIIa) and (IIIb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl or phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of ethyl, iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, adamantyl and benzyl, and
- m is 1 or 2.

Most preferred are ligands of the formulae (IIIa) and (IIIb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of, phenyl, 2,6- or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromehtylphenyl, 1-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 9-phenantryl or 2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl,
- R⁷is hydrogen
- R⁸is hydrogen or methyl,
- R⁹and R¹⁰are each the same and tert-butyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, and m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the ligand of the formula (IVa) or (IVb) is used. Depending on whether compound (Ia) or (Ib) is the desired product, the ligand of the formula (IVa) or (IVb) is selected.

Preferred are ligands of the formulae (IVa) and (IVb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- A is

[Image Omitted]

- - in which the bond identified by “*” is bound directly to the phosphorus atom and in which the bond identified by “#” is bound directly to the oxazoline moiety,
- R¹³is C₃-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl or C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, or
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵together with the carbon which they are bound to, form a C₅-C₆-cycloalkyl ring,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl and C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₁-C₆-alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl, wherein the phenyl may be substituted by one to five substituents selected independently from each other from halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, and
  - wherein the C₆-C₁₄-aryl and the C₆-C₁₄-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, or
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷together with the phosphorus atom which they are bound to, form a phospholane ring, which may be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆-alkyl groups.

More preferred are ligands of the formulae (IVa) and (IVb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- A is

[Image Omitted]

- - in which the bond identified by “*” is bound directly to the phosphorus atom and in which the bond identified by “#” is bound directly to the oxazoline moiety,
- R¹³is iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, phenyl or benzyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, and C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl,
  - which in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₄-alkyl substituents

Most preferred are ligands of the formulae (IVa) and (IVb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- A is

[Image Omitted]

- - In which the bond identified by “*” is bound directly to the phosphorus atom and in which the bond identified by “#” is bound directly to the oxazoline moiety,
- R¹³is tert-butyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are methyl, and
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, which is substituted by one or two methyl, in particular R¹⁶and R¹⁷are each the same and phenyl, which is substituted by one or two methyl or R¹⁶and R¹⁷are each the same and 2-methylphenyl or 3,5-dimethylphenyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the ligand of the formula (IXa) or (IXb) is used. Depending on whether compound (Ia) or (Ib) is the desired product, the ligand of the formula (IXa) or (IXb) is selected.

Preferred are ligands of the formulae (IXa) and (IXb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹⁹are independently selected from phenyl, benzyl, t-butyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl,
- R²⁰are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl,
- R²¹are independently selected from hydrogen, benzyl, methyl, ethyl, and
- R²²are independently selected from cyclohexyl, phenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl.

More preferred are ligands of the formulae (IXa) and (IXb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹⁹is phenyl, t-butyl,
- R²⁰is hydrogen, methyl,
- R²¹is benzyl, methyl, and
- R²²is cyclohexyl.

Most preferred are ligands of the formulae (IXa) and (IXb), wherein the substituents are defined as follows:

- R¹⁹is phenyl,
- R²⁰is methyl,
- R²¹is benzyl, and
- R²²is cyclohexyl.

Preferably, the chiral iridium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of [IrL*(COD)]Y and [IrL*(nbd)]Y, wherein

- L* is the chiral ligand of the formulae (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa) or (IVb),
- COD represents 1,5-cyclooctadiene,
- nbd represents norbornadiene, and
- Y is a non-coordinating anion selected from the group consisting of [B(R¹⁸)₄]⁻, PF₆⁻, SbF₆⁻, CF₃SO₃⁻, [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻ (formula (VII)) and Δ-TRISPHAT (formula (VIII))

[Image Omitted]

- - wherein R¹⁸is selected from fluorine and phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and halogen.

More preferred are chiral iridium catalysts of the formulae [IrL*(COD)]Y and [IrL*(nbd)]Y, wherein Y is PF₆, [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻ (formula (VII)) or [B(R¹⁸)₄]⁻, wherein R¹⁸is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from fluorine and trifluoromethyl.

Even more preferred are chiral iridium catalysts of the general formulae (Va), (Vb), (VIa) and (VIb)

[Image Omitted]

- wherein
- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl or phenyl,
  - wherein 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of ethyl, iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, adamantyl and benzyl,
- m is 1 or 2,
- R¹³is iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, phenyl or benzyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, and C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl,
  - which in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and
- R¹⁸is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from fluorine and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl.

Particularly preferred are chiral iridium catalysts of the general formulae (Va), (Vb), (VIa) and (VIb), wherein

- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 2,6- or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromehtylphenyl, 1-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 9-phenantryl and 2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl,
- R⁷is hydrogen,
- R⁸is hydrogen or methyl
- R⁹and R¹⁰are each the same and tert-butyl, adamantly, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,
- m is 1,
- R¹³is tert-butyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are methyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, which is substituted by one or two methyl, in particular R¹⁶and R¹⁷are each the same and 2-methylphenyl or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, and
- R¹⁸is 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl.

Most preferred are chiral iridium catalysts of the general formulae (Va), (Vb), wherein

- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 2,6- or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromehtylphenyl, 1-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 9-phenantryl and 2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl,
- R⁷is hydrogen,
- R⁸is hydrogen or methyl
- R⁹and R¹⁰are each the same and tert-butyl, or cyclohexyl,
- m is 1

The amount of iridium catalyst used is preferably within the range of from 0.001 mol % to 5 mol %, more preferably 0.002 mol % to 4 mol %, most preferably 0.005 mol % to 3 mol %, in particular 0.01 mol % to 2.0 mol %, based on the amount of the compound of the formula (II).

The chiral iridium catalyst may be prepared by methods known in the art from an iridium (I) catalyst precursor, such as [Ir(COD)Cl]₂, the chiral ligand of the formula (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa) or (IVb) and an alkali salt of the non-coordinating anion (S. Kaiser et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 5194-5197; W. J. Drury III et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2004, 43, 70-74).

Preferably, the process according to the invention is performed in the presence of a chiral iridium catalyst, wherein the chiral iridium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of [IrL*(COD)]Y and [IrL*(nbd)]Y, wherein

- L* is the chiral ligand of the formula (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa) or (IVb),
- COD represents 1,5-cyclooctadiene,
- nbd represents norbornadiene, and
- Y is a non-coordinating anion selected from the group consisting of [B(R¹⁸)₄]⁻, PF₆⁻, SbF₆⁻, CF₃SO₃⁻, [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]⁻ (formula (VII)) and Δ-TRISPHAT (formula (VIII))

[Image Omitted]

- - wherein R¹⁸is selected from fluorine and phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and halogen,
- and in the presence of an additive,
- wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, acetic acid, trifluoromethylsulfonic acid, water, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, tetrafluoroboric acid, tetrafluoroboric acid diethylether complex, nafion, amberlyst, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)propan-2-ol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, borane tetrahydrofurane complex, boric acid, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, zinc (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the complexes of boron trifluoride are preferably selected from boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

More preferably the process according to the invention is performed in the presence of a chiral iridium catalyst, wherein the chiral iridium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of chiral iridium catalyst of the formulae [IrL*(COD)]Y and [IrL*(nbd)]Y, wherein

- L* is the chiral ligand of the formula (IIIa), (IIIb), (IVa) or (IVb),
- COD represents 1,5-cyclooctadiene,
- nbd represents norbornadiene, and
- Y is PF₆, [Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄] (formula (VII)) or [B(R¹⁸)₄],
  - wherein R¹⁸is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from fluorine and trifluoromethyl,
- and in the presence of an additive,
- wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, tetrafluoroboric acid diethylether complex, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the complexes of boron trifluoride are preferably selected from boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

Even more preferably the process according to the invention is performed in the presence of a chiral iridium catalyst, wherein the chiral iridium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of chiral iridium catalyst of the formulae (Va), (Vb), (VIa) and (VIb)

[Image Omitted]

- wherein
- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl or phenyl,
  - wherein 1-naphtyl, 2-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 9-phenantryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and phenyl, wherein the phenyl again is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents,
- R⁷and R⁸are independently from one another hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy
- R⁹and R¹⁰are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of ethyl, iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, adamantyl and benzyl,
- m is 1 or 2,
- R¹³is iso-propyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, phenyl or benzyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are independently from one another selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, and C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,
  - wherein the C₆-aryl in the C₆-C₁₄-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl,
  - which in each case is unsubstituted or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, and
- R¹⁸is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to five substituents selected from fluorine and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,
- and in the presence of an additive,
- wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphoric acid, pentafluorophenol, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, triphenylborane, tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, aluminum (III) fluoride, titanium (IV) isopropoxide, trimethyl aluminum, boron trifluoride, complexes of boron trifluoride, and mixtures thereof, wherein the boron trifluoride complexes are preferably selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

Particularly preferably the process according to the invention is performed in the presence of a chiral iridium catalyst, wherein the chiral iridium catalyst is selected from the group consisting of chiral iridium catalyst of the formulae (Va), (Vb), (VIa) and (VIb), wherein

- R⁶is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 2,6- or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromehtylphenyl, 1-naphtyl, 9-antracenyl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 9-phenantryl and 2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl,
- R⁷is hydrogen,
- R⁸is hydrogen or methyl
- R⁹and R¹⁰are each the same and tert-butyl, adamantly, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,
- m is 1 or 2,
- R¹³is tert-butyl,
- R¹⁴and R¹⁵are methyl,
- R¹⁶and R¹⁷are independently from one another phenyl, which is substituted by one or two methyl, in particular R¹⁶and R¹⁷are each the same and 2-methylphenyl or 3,5-dimethylphenyl, and
- R¹⁸is 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl,
- and in the presence of an additive,
- wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of aluminum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, tris(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)borane, hexafluorophosphoric acid, boron trifluoride and complexes of boron trifluoride, wherein the boron trifluoride complexes are preferably selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex, boron trifluoride acetic acid complex and boron trifluoride n-propanol complex.

The process according to the invention comprises enantioselective hydrogenation of the compound of the formula (II).

Preferably, the hydrogenation is conducted using hydrogen gas at a pressure of from 1 to 300 bar, preferably 3 to 200 bar, most preferably 20 to 150 bar.

The hydrogenation is preferably conducted at a temperature within the range of from 20° C. to 130° C., more preferably 30° C. to 100° C.

Suitable solvents are halogenated alcohols such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, hexafluoroisopropanol (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol) and tetrafluoropropanol (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propanol), halogenated hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrachloromethane, dichloroethane and trichloroethane, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene, ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, methyl tert-amyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane and anisole, and esters such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred solvents are selected from the group consisting of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, hexafluoroisopropanol, 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrafluoropropanol, 1,4-dioxane, isopropyl acetate, toluene, and mixtures thereof.

More preferred solvents are selected from the group consisting of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, hexafluoroisopropanol, 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrafluoropropanol, and mixtures thereof.

Especially preferred are 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and hexafluoroisopropanol.

Most preferred is hexafluoroisopropanol.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

a/a

Ac
Acetyl

c-hexane
cyclohexane

Cy
Cyclohexyl

DCM
dichloromethane

GC-FID
Gas chromatography-Flame ionization detector

HPLC
High performance liquid chromatography

Et
Ethyl

Me
Methyl

n-BuLi
n-Butyllithium

PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene

RT
Room temperature

SFC
Supercritical fluid chromatography

THF
tetrahydrofurane

Tf
Trifluoromethylsulfonyl

TFE
2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Preparation of Iridium Catalysts

[Image Omitted]

The ligand precursors (enantiomerically enriched secondary alcohols) were prepared according to known literature procedures like to the method disclosed in S. Kaiser et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 5194-5197 or in D. H. Woodmansee Chem. Sci 2010, 1, 72. The ligands and iridium complexes were prepared by a modified procedure based on the same literature precedents:

Standard Procedures

Procedure of ligand synthesis (under Ar): A solution of alcohol precursor in THF (0.25 mmol, in 5.0 mL THF) was cooled to −78° C. and n-BuLi (0.1 mL of a 2.5 M n-BuLi solution in hexane; 0.25 mmol; 1 eq.) was added dropwise to the continuously stirred solution. After completion of the addition the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred at this temperature for further 30 min. The solution was cooled to −78° C. again and R₂PCl (0.25 mmol, 1 eq.) was added to the continuously stirred solution. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and subsequently heated to 50° C. and kept at this temperature overnight. The theoretical yield of ligand was calculated using ³¹P-NMR and the ligand was used for the next step without further purification.

Procedure of complexation (under Ar): To the crude ligand solution was added [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (BARF=Tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-borate) (as a solid, 1 eq. based on the theoretical yield). The resulting mixture was heated to 50° C. and kept at this temperature for 3 h.

Work-up (under air): After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is rotary evaporated onto silica, loaded onto a column of silica. Side components were eluted using pentane/diethylether and the desired complexes subsequently with DCM. The solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure.

The following catalysts were synthesized and characterized:

[Image Omitted]

with m=1 and R¹⁸=3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl

TABLE 1

Catalyst
R⁶
R⁷
R⁸
R⁹, R¹⁰

Va-1
phenyl
H
H
tert-butyl

Va-2
phenyl
H
methyl
tert-butyl

Vb-3
phenyl
H
H
cyclohexyl

Va-4
phenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Vb-5
4-tert-butylphenyl
H
H
cyclohexyl

Va-6
4-tert-butylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Vb-7
9-antracenyl
H
H
cyclohexyl

Va-8
9-antracenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-9
2,6-dimethylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-10
2,4,6-trimethylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-11
3,5-dimethylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-12
1-naphtyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-13
4-methoxyphenyl
H
methyl
tert-butyl

Va-14
4-fluorophenyl
H
methyl
tert-butyl

Va-15
4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl
H
methyl
tert-butyl

Va-16
phenyl
H
methyl
cyclopentyl

Vb-17
phenyl
H
H
ethyl

Va-18
phenyl
H
methyl
isopropyl

Va-19
methyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-20
3,5-bis-tert.-butyl,-4-methoxyphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-21
2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-22
4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-23
phenyl
H
H
adamantyl

Va-24
9-phenantryl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-25
2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

Va-26*
4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl
H
methyl
cyclohexyl

*Counteranion is PF₆instead of BARF

Va-2

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (89.5 mg; 53% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.26 (dd, J=7.9, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 7.81-7.36 (m, 16H), 5.75 (dt, J=8.0, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.34-5.29 (m, 1H), 4.51 (q, J=5.3, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (dq, J=12.5, 7.6, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 3.08 (ddd, J=16.6, 10.3, 3.8 Hz, 1H), 2.99-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.61-2.00 (m, 8H), 1.92-1.79 (m, 1H), 1.69 (dd, J=14.8, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 1.51 (s, 9H), 1.29-1.24 (m, 3H), 1.06 (d, J=14.4 Hz, 9H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=142.09. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.85. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₁H₄₄NOPIr [M]+ 670.2790 found 670.2798.

Va-4

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (241 mg; 71% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.38-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.43 (m, 16H), 5.76 (dt, J=7.7, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.70-4.46 (m, 1H), 3.56-3.39 (m, 1H), 3.06 (ddd, J=16.7, 10.3, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 2.98-2.73 (m, 2H), 2.71-2.57 (m, 1H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.41-2.02 (m, 6H), 2.00-1.75 (m, 7H), 1.72-1.54 (m, 4H), 1.46-0.94 (m, 13H), 0.72-0.50 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=121.27. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.86. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₅H₄₈NOPIr [M]+ 722.3103 found 722.3116.

Vb-5

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (261 mg; 74% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.25 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.64 (m, 11H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 5.74 (dt, J=8.2, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.95-4.74 (m, 1H), 4.74-4.51 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.23-2.91 (m, 2H), 2.90-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.67-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.52-2.23 (m, 4H), 2.28-2.04 (m, 3H), 2.04-1.77 (m, 7H), 1.69-1.58 (m, 4H), 1.45-1.26 (m, 17H), 1.17-0.95 (m, 4H), 0.68-0.42 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=121.12. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.85. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₈H₅₄NOPIr [M]+ 764.3572 found 764.3586.

Va-6

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (286 mg; 64% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=8.20 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.77-7.69 (m, 8H), 7.66 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 5H), 5.77-5.67 (m, 1H), 4.78 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.57 (s, 1H), 3.47 (s, 1H), 3.08-2.89 (m, 1H), 2.89-2.66 (m, 2H), 2.59 (p, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 2.47-1.74 (m, 15H), 1.42 (s, 17H), 1.18-0.78 (m, 5H), 0.72-0.48 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CDCl₃) 121.31. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=−62.42. HR-MS (ESI): m/z calculated for [C₃₉H₅₆NOP193 Ir]+: 778.3729 found 778.3732.

Vb-7

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated after two time purification as an orange solid (151 mg; 36% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.84 (s, 1H), 8.38-8.27 (m, 1H), 8.21 (ddt, J=8.5, 1.3, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.18-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.72 (m, 10H), 7.72-7.54 (m, 6H), 7.49 (ddd, J=8.8, 6.6, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.23-6.96 (m, 1H), 5.74-5.54 (m, 1H), 5.26-5.12 (m, 1H), 4.41-4.18 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.15 (m, 3H), 2.75-2.61 (m, 2H), 2.59-2.32 (m, 2H), 2.18-1.91 (m, 6H), 1.92-1.74 (m, 5H), 1.74-1.56 (m, 2H), 1.48-1.21 (m, 10H), 1.18-0.99 (m, 1H), 0.96-0.59 (m, 2H), 0.39-0.15 (m, 1H), 0.06-−0.11 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=120.30. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.87. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₂H₅₀NOPIr [M]+ 808.3259 found 808.3278.

Va-8

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated using DCM (100%) to afford an orange solid (296 mg; 78% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.68 (s, 1H), 8.23-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.75-7.23 (m, 17H), 7.05 (dq, J=8.8, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 5.61-5.40 (m, 2H), 5.12-4.88 (m, 1H), 4.24-4.00 (m, 1H), 3.25-2.88 (m, 3H), 2.58-2.46 (m, 2H), 2.44-2.14 (m, 7H), 2.08-1.61 (m, 11H), 1.61-1.37 (m, 5H), 1.37-1.07 (m, 6H), 1.03-0.85 (m, 1H), 0.65-0.45 (m, 1H), 0.16 (dtd, J=15.8, 10.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), −0.16 (dt, J=13.2, 9.1 Hz, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD2Cl2) δ=120.57. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD2Cl2) δ=−62.86. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₃H₅₂NOPIr [M]+ 822.3416 found 822.3416.

Va-9

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (298 mg; 82% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.80-7.52 (m, 12H), 7.42-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.12 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 5.65 (td, J=5.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.48-5.42 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.37 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.21-2.89 (m, 3H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.58-2.45 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.38-2.16 (m, 2H), 2.13-2.05 (m, 3H), 2.02-1.89 (m, 4H), 1.84 (s, 3H), 1.81-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.64-1.49 (m, 3H), 1.39-1.19 (m, 8H), 1.12-0.99 (m, 4H), 0.68-0.56 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) 6=118.80. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) 6=−62.88. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₇H₅₂NOPIr [M]+ 750.3416 found 750.3420.

Va-10

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (148 mg; 40% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.91-7.46 (m, 12H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.09 (s, 1H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 5.67-5.63 (m, 1H), 5.46-5.41 (m, 1H), 4.38-4.36 (m, 1H), 3.36-3.32 (m, 1H), 3.19-2.85 (m, 3H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.53-2.46 (m, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.31-2.18 (m, 2H), 2.19-1.83 (m, 14H), 1.68-1.54 (m, 6H), 1.38-1.20 (m, 5H), 1.14-0.97 (m, 5H), 0.68-0.56 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=118.64. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=−62.87. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₈H₅₄NOPIr [M]+ 764.3572 found 764.3577.

Va-11

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated using DCM (100%) to afford an orange solid (310 mg; 85% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.86 (s, 2H), 7.79-7.47 (m, 13H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 5.79-5.62 (m, 1H), 4.78-4.74 (m, 1H), 4.57-4.53 (m, 1H), 3.56-3.48 (m, 1H), 3.13-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.95-2.61 (m, 3H), 2.51 (s, 6H), 2.47-2.36 (m, 5H), 2.34-2.03 (m, 5H), 2.03-1.77 (m, 7H), 1.71-1.47 (m, 7H), 1.45-1.19 (m, 5H), 1.19-0.98 (m, 4H), 0.70-0.62 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=121.65. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=−62.88. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₇H₅₂NOPIr [M]+ 750.3416 found 750.3406.

Va-12

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (286 mg; 78% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.61-8.48 (m, 1H), 8.28-8.15 (m, 1H), 8.11-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.98-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.79-7.50 (m, 16H), 5.70 (ddd, J=8.1, 4.9, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 5.37-5.25 (m, 1H), 4.79 (d, J=10.4 Hz, 1H), 3.53-3.41 (m, 1H), 3.13 (ddd, J=17.2, 9.5, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 2.96 (ddd, J=17.1, 9.4, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 2.88-2.66 (m, 1H), 2.49-2.34 (m, 7H), 2.27-2.14 (m, 1H), 2.09-1.56 (m, 15H), 1.43-1.12 (m, 9H), 1.06-0.92 (m, 1H), 0.78-0.59 (m, 1H), 0.42-0.25 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=121.69. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=−62.87. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₉H₅₀NOPIr [M]+ 722.3259 found 722.3262.

Va-13

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The theoretical yield of the ligand was 51%. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (78.0 mg; 39% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=8.22 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.80-7.63 (m, 8H), 7.63-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.16 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.82-5.66 (m, 1H), 5.37-5.22 (m, 1H), 4.56-4.41 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.00 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.12-2.97 (m, 1H), 2.96-2.74 (m, 2H), 2.70-2.56 (m, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.41-2.03 (m, 4H), 1.96-1.84 (m, 1H), 1.72 (dd, J=14.6, 7.9 Hz, 1H), 1.51 (d, J=15.0 Hz, 9H), 1.34-1.23 (m, 3H), 1.05 (d, J=14.4 Hz, 9H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=141.86. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.85. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₂H₄₆NO₂PIr [M]+ 700.2895 found 700.2899.

Va-14

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)²]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (245 mg; 70% based on [Ir(COD)²]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=8.38-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.82-7.63 (m, 8H), 7.51 (s, 5H), 7.44-7.17 (m, 2H), 5.81-5.63 (m, 1H), 4.81-4.67 (m, 1H), 4.67-4.49 (m, 1H), 3.57-3.35 (m, 1H), 3.05-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.61 (m, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.31-2.04 (m, 7H), 2.01-1.73 (m, 7H), 1.70-1.48 (m, 6H), 1.42-1.20 (m, 6H), 1.16-0.97 (m, 4H), 0.63-0.40 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm)=121.31. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm)=−62.43, −106.61. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₅H₄₇NOFPIr [M]+ 740.3009 found 740.3013.

Va-15

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure using 287 mg of [Ir(COD)₂]BARF (0.225 mmol). The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (180.0 mg; 48% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.46 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.94 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.82-7.38 (m, 13H), 5.83-5.69 (m, 1H), 4.94-4.78 (m, 1H), 4.73-4.54 (m, 1H), 3.65-3.38 (m, 1H), 3.15-2.72 (m, 3H), 2.61-2.27 (m, 7H), 2.25-2.04 (m, 4H), 2.04-1.72 (m, 8H), 1.75-1.58 (m, 3H), 1.43-1.22 (m, 8H), 1.19-0.93 (m, 1H), 0.63-0.44 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=121.74. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.88, −63.40. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₆H₄₇NOF₃PIr [M]+ 790.2977 found 790.2990.

Va-16

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The theoretical yield of the ligand was 90%. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (261 mg; 75% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=8.28-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.93-7.45 (m, 16H), 5.81 (dt, J=9.3, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 4.72-4.51 (m, 1H), 3.86-3.66 (m, 1H), 3.18-3.04 (m, 1H), 3.04-2.57 (m, 4H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.46-1.61 (m, 18H), 1.56-1.36 (m, 5H), 1.36-1.14 (m, 1H), 1.13-0.93 (m, 1H), 0.77-0.66 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=129.37. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.88. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₃₃H₄₄NOPIr [M]+ 694.2790 found 694.2789.

Vb-17

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (134 mg; 95% purity based on 31P-NMR; 39% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=8.00-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.81-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.64 (m, 10H), 7.62-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 4H), 5.88 (dt, J=8.3, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (dt, J=8.3, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (ddt, J=7.4, 5.0, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.61 (td, J=8.0, 3.8 Hz, 1H), 3.17-2.64 (m, 4H), 2.34-1.79 (m, 9H), 1.68-1.55 (m, 1H), 1.36-0.90 (m, 9H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=116.36 (mayor product; 95%), 111.79 (minor species; 5%). ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=−62.41. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₂₆H₃₄NOPIr [M]+ 600.2006 found 600.2006.

Va-18

The reaction was performed (0.5 mmol scale) according to the above described standard procedure, but after the addition of ClP(iPr)₂was completed, the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (605 mg; 85% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=8.17 (dd, J=7.1, 1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.78-7.40 (m, 16H), 5.74 (dt, J=9.0, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 4.83 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 4.61 (dt, J=8.7, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 3.62-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.11-2.94 (m, 1H), 2.91-2.67 (m, 2H), 2.67-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.36-1.93 (m, 6H), 1.85 (dd, J=14.5, 7.3 Hz, 1H), 1.46 (dd, J=15.2, 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.39-1.31 (m, 1H), 1.23 (dd, J=13.3, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 1.08 (dd, J=19.4, 7.1 Hz, 3H), 0.52 (dd, J=15.5, 7.1 Hz, 3H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm)=129.53. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm)=−62.42. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₂₉H₄₀NOPIr [M]+ 642.2477 found 642.2480.

Va-19

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (249 mg; 73% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.81-7.61 (m, 9H), 7.56 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 4H), 7.34 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (dt, J=8.7, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 5.05-4.84 (m, 2H), 3.74-3.57 (m, 1H), 3.56-3.36 (m, 1H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 3.01-1.49 (m, 23H), 1.42-1.01 (m, 9H), 0.85-0.70 (m, 1H), 0.51-0.25 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=126.20. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.88. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₂₉H₄₄NOPIr [M]+ 644.2766 found 644.2762.

Va-20

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (164 mg; 42% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.86-7.62 (m, 10H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 5.72 (dt, J=8.1, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 4.85-4.63 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.49-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.18-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.54-2.23 (m, 6H), 2.23-1.57 (m, 16H), 1.53-1.49 (m, 20H), 1.46-0.93 (m, 10H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=123.26. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.87. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₄H₆₆NO₂PIr [M]+ 864.4460 found 864.4448.

Va-21

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (51 mg; 14% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.80-7.64 (m, 8H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 5.65 (dt, J=5.9, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 5.45-5.35 (m, 1H), 4.04 (ddd, J=8.2, 5.4, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 3.34 (dd, J=11.2, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.19-3.08 (m, 3H), 3.06-2.89 (m, 2H), 2.56-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.33-1.84 (m, 9H), 1.84-1.43 (m, 15H), 1.35-1.24 (m, 12H), 1.23-1.14 (m, 5H), 1.09 (dd, J=10.0, 6.8 Hz, 6H), 0.95 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.60-0.46 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=119.43. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.86. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₄H₆₆NOPIr [M]+ 848.4511 found 848.4512.

Va-22

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (274 mg; 73% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.79-7.66 (m, 8H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 5.65 (td, J=5.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 5.46-5.40 (m, 1H), 4.42-4.36 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.19-2.86 (m, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.59-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.38-1.54 (m, 20H), 1.46-0.98 (m, 21H), 0.70-0.58 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=118.67. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.86. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₁H₆₀NOPIr [M]+ 806.4042 found 806.4053.

Va-23

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (15.6 mg; 20% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=8.43-8.36 (m, 2H), 7.92-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.69 (m, 12H), 7.68-7.53 (m, 4H), 5.73-5.65 (m, 1H), 5.50-5.43 (m, 1H), 4.58-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.25-3.12 (m, 1H), 3.08-2.94 (m, 1H), 2.92-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.72-1.45 (m, 40H). ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=−62.42. ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=134.32. HR-MS (TOF) m/z calcd for C₄₂H₅₄NOPIr [M]+ 812.3572 found 812.3578.

Va-24

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (274 mg; 72% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=8.99-8.77 (m, 3H), 8.04-7.63 (m, 15H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 5.72-5.63 (m, 1H), 4.88-4.83 (m, 1H), 4.74-4.68 (m, 1H), 3.49-3.40 (m, 1H), 3.27-3.07 (m, 1H), 3.08-2.91 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.74 (m, 1H), 2.61-2.36 (m, 6H), 2.19 (ddd, J=15.6, 13.8, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.11-1.11 (m, 25H), 0.99-0.66 (m, 3H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=121.93. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=−62.86. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₃H₅₂NOPIr [M]⁺ 822.3410 found 822.3436.

Va-25

The reaction was performed according to the above described standard procedure. The complex could be isolated as an orange solid (282 mg; 76% based on [Ir(COD)₂]BARF).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ (ppm)=7.73 (s, 8H), 7.56 (s, 4H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 5.62 (dd, J=8.0, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.46-5.39 (m, 1H), 4.32 (dd, J=7.4, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 3.36-3.27 (m, 1H), 3.19-3.06 (m, 2H), 3.01-2.91 (m, 2H), 2.80 (dq, J=14.9, 7.4 Hz, 1H), 2.59-2.43 (m, 2H), 2.43-2.15 (m, 7H), 2.15-0.83 (m, 36H), 0.66-0.48 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=119.00. ¹⁹F-NMR (282 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ (ppm)=−62.87. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₀H₅₈NOPIr [M]+ 792.3880 found 792.3903.

Va-26

A solution of the respective alcohol precursor in THF (0.25 mmol, in 5.0 mL THF) was cooled to −78° C. and n-BuLi (0.1 mL of a 2.5 M n-BuLi solution in hexane; 0.25 mmol; 1 eq.) was added dropwise to the continuously stirred solution. After completion of the addition the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred at this temperature for further 30 min. The solution was cooled to −78° C. again and Cy₂PCl (0.25 mmol, 1 eq.) was added to the continuously stirred solution. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and subsequently heated to 50° C. and kept at this temperature overnight. After the reaction was cooled down to RT, THF was removed and dried in vacuum, [Ir(cod)Cl]₂(0.125 mmol) and DCM (5.0 mL) were added to the tube, stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. Then KPF₆(0.25 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred at RT for overnight. The reaction solution is rotary evaporated onto silica, loaded onto a column of silica prepared with DCM chromatographed with EtOAc/DCM: 1/10 to afford the orange solid after two times column chromatography (130 mg, 55%).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=7.37-7.02 (m, 3H), 5.74-5.56 (m, 1H), 5.52-5.46 (m, 1H), 4.47-4.30 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.21 (m, 1H), 3.19-2.92 (m, 3H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.63-2.48 (m, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.40-2.19 (m, 2H), 2.16-1.70 (m, 15H), 1.68-1.46 (m, 6H), 1.41-1.28 (m, 13H), 1.18-0.95 (m, 5H), 0.71-0.58 (m, 1H). ³¹P-NMR (122 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=118.42, −127.01, −132.85, −138.70, −144.55, −150.39, −156.24, −162.09. ¹⁹F-NMR (376 MHz, CD₂Cl₂) δ=−72.64, −74.52. HR-MS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₄₁H₆₀NOPIr [M]⁺ 806.4036 found 806.4061.

EXAMPLES

Reactions were performed in metal autoclaves. Reaction mixtures were analyzed without workup via HPLC (Chiralpak IC column, 95/5 heptane/ethanol, 1 mL/min) or SFC (OZ-H column, 2.5% MeOH in supercritical CO₂, 3 mL/min) chromatography.

The Ir-complex Va-25 (catalyst loading given) and 0.64 g 1-(2,2,4-trimethyl-1-quinolyl)ethanone (3 mmol, purified with heptane: water wash+crystallization) were placed in an 8-mL autoclave vial containing a PTFE-coated stirring bar. The autoclave vial was closed using a screw cap with septum and flushed with argon (10 min). Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP, 4 mL) and additive (loading given) were added via the septum to the vial. The vial was placed in an argon containing autoclave and the autoclave was flushed with argon (10 min). The autoclave was pressurized with hydrogen gas (10 bar) and subsequently depressurized to atmospheric pressure three times. After this the autoclave was pressurized to 60 bar hydrogen pressure and was placed in a suitable alumina block. After heating to 85° C. the reaction was kept at this temperature for the given time. After cooling to room temperature and depressurizing, the vial was taken out of the autoclave and the reactions outcome was determined by GC-FID analysis (deluted with EtOH) and the enantiomeric excess by HPLC analysis. Typical values are given.

TABLE 2

Additive
Reaction
catalyst loading
Conversion
Enantiomeric

Example
(mol %)
time (h)
(mol %)
GC (% a/a)
excess (% ee)

1
—
16
0.02
95.3
n.d.

2
—
21
0.02
95.5
n.d.

3
—
3
0.02
55.2
n.d.

4
—
16
0.03
97.6
n.d.

5
Pentafluorophenol (1)
16
0.02
97.2
n.d.

6
1,2,2,6,6-Pentamethylpiperidin (1)
16
0.02
67.1
n.d.

7
Nonafluoro-tert-butyl alcohol (1)
16
0.03
96.3
n.d.

8
Nonafluoro-tert-butyl alcohol (5)
16
0.03
97.5
n.d.

9
3,5-bis-trifluorophenol (1)
16
0.02
95.7
n.d.

10
AcOH (1)
16
0.02
96
n.d.

11
AcOH (5)
3
0.02
66.5
n.d.

12
AcOH (10)
3
0.02
63.7
n.d.

13
AcOH (20)
3
0.02
54.2
n.d.

14
HPF₆(1)
3
0.02
>99
n.d.

15
HBF₄*OEt₂(1)
16
0.02
90.5
n.d.

16
TfOH (1)
16
0.02
76.9
n.d.

17
Sc(OTf)₃(1)
3
0.02
>99
99

18
BF₃*OEt₂(1)
3
0.02
98.9
98

19
BH₃*THF (1)
3
0.02
69.8
n.d.

20
BF₃*AcOH (1)
3
0.02
>99
n.d.

21
BF₃*n-PrOH (1)
3
0.02
>99
n.d.

22
Al(OTf)₃(1)
3
0.02
>99
n.d.

23
AlF₃(1)
3
0.02
65.9
n.d.

24
AlMe₃(1)
3
0.02
91.1
n.d.

25
Ti(OⁱPr)₄(1)
3
0.02
90.7
n.d.

26
BPh₃(1)
3
0.02
85.4
n.d.

27
B(C₆F₅)₃(1)
3
0.02
>99
97.6

28
B(C₆F₅)₃(0.5)
3
0.02
97.3
n.d.

29
B(C₆F₅)₃(0.1)
3
0.02
63.3
n.d.

30
B(OH)₃(1)
3
0.02
72.7
n.d.

Examples 31-36

The Ir-complex Va-25 (catalyst loading given) and 1-(2,2,4-trimethyl-1-quinolyl)ethanone (amount given; purified with heptane: water wash+crystallization) were placed in an 25-mL autoclave. The autoclave was flushed with argon (10 min). Hexafluoroisopropanol (1.33 mL per mmol of 1-(2,2,4-trimethyl-1-quinolyl)ethenone)) and additive (loading given) were added to the autoclave. The autoclave was pressurized with hydrogen gas (10 bar) and subsequently depressurized to atmospheric pressure three times. After this the autoclave was pressurized to 60 bar hydrogen pressure and was placed in a suitable alumina block. After heating to 85° C. the reaction was kept at this temperature for the given time. After cooling to room temperature and depressurizing, the reactions outcome was determined by GC-FID analysis (deluted with EtOH) and the enantiomeric excess by HPLC analysis.

TABLE 3

Scale (amount

catalyst

Additive
of compound
Reaction
loading
Conversion
Enantiomeric

Example
(mol %)
(II))
time (h)
(mol %)
GC (% ala)
excess (% ee)