A remarkably effective catalyst for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in water and air

A Rh(III) complex generated in situ from [Cp*RhCl2]2 and (1R,2R)-N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (TsCYDN) serves as a remarkably effective, robust catalyst for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones by HCOONa in water in air, affording alcohols in up to 99% ee.