Development of a new class of (1S,3R,4R)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-oxazoline ligands and their application in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation

New 2-aza-norbornane-oxazoline compounds were synthesized and evaluated as ligands in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone. The best catalyst prepared in situ from [IrCl2(COD)]2 and a ligand afforded 1-(S)-phenylethanol in good yields and 79% ee.