Highly enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-pyridyl ketones enabled by Ir-f-phamidol catalyst.

Herein, we report a highly efficient and enantioselective Ir-f-phamidol catalysed hydrogenation of 2-pyridyl ketones, enabling the synthesis of chiral pyridyl-substituted secondary alcohols with exceptional enantioselectivity (up to >99% ee) and remarkable catalytic efficiency (S/C up to 10 000). The broad substrate scope, high efficiency and enantioselectivity, mild conditions, and successful gram-scale demonstration of this reaction highlight a significant advancement in chiral alcohol synthesis and underscore its practicality and industrial relevance.