In this study, a series of gamma,gamma-disubstituted and beta,gamma-disubstituted allylic alcohols were prepared and successfully hydrogenated using suitable N,P-based Ir complexes. High yields and excellent enantioselectivities were obtained for most of the substrates studied. This investigation also revealed the effect of the acidity of the N,P-Ir-complexes on the acid sensitive allylic alcohols. DFT Delta pK(a) calculations were used to explain the effect of the N,P-ligand on the acidity of the corresponding Ir-complex. The selectivity model of the reaction was used to accurately predict the absolute configuration of the hydrogenated alcohols.

The efficient and selective formal total synthesis of aliskiren is described. Aliskiren, a renin inhibitor drug, has received considerable attention, primarily because it is the first of the renin inhibitor drugs to be approved by the FDA. Herein, the formal synthesis of aliskiren by iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of two allylic alcohol fragments is reported. Screening a number of N,P-ligated iridium catalysts yielded two catalysts that gave the highest enantioselectivity in the hydrogenation, which gave the saturated alcohols in 97 and 93% ee. In only four steps after hydrogenation, the fragments were combined by using the Julia-Kocienski reaction to produce late-stage intermediate in an overall yield of 18%.

A number of cyclic olefins Were prepared and evaluated for the asymmetric hydrogenation reaction using novel N,P-ligated iridium imidazote-based Catalysts (Crabtree type). The diversity of these cyclic olefins spanned those having little functionality to others bearing strongly coordinating substituents and heterocycles. Excellent enantioselectivities were observed both for substrates having little functionality (up to >99% ee) and for substrates possessing functional groups several carbons away from the olefin. Substrates having functionalities such as carboxyl groups, alcohols, or heterocycles in the vicinity of the C=C bond were hydrogenated in high enantiomeric excess (up to >99% ee). The hydrogenation was also found to be regioselective, and by controlling the reaction conditions, selective hydrogenation of one of two trisubstituted olefins can be achieved: Furthermore, trisubstituted olefins can be selectively hydrogenated in the presence of tetrasubstituted olefins.

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).