A Simple Synthetic Route to Enantiopure α‐Hydroxy Ketone Derivatives by Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Abstract High enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) have been observed for the catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of the α‐ketone enol acetates. DuanPhos has been proved to be the most effective ligand for this reaction. The high yield and enantioselectivity of the asymmetric hydrogenation of the α‐ketone enol acetates represents a feasible synthetic route to important pharmaceutical building blocks: α‐hydroxy ketones.