Ru-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Chiral δ-Hydroxy-β-Keto Acid Derivatives.

Ru-catalyzed stereoselective asymmetric hydrogenation of multifunctionalized ketones has been a formidable challenge, and few related successful works have been reported. Herein, we report our research on Ru-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of chiral δ-hydroxy-β-keto acid derivatives, which achieves excellent diastereoselectivity (up to >99% de). This procedure provides a new route for the synthesis of pure syn- and anti-3,5-dihydroxy acid derivatives, which serve as key intermediates in natural products and drug molecules, such as statins.