Improving C=N bond reductions with (Cyclopentadienone)iron complexes: Scope and limitations

Herein, we broaden the application scope of (cyclo-pentadienone)iron complexes 1 in C=N bond reduction. The catalytic scope of pre-catalyst 1b, which is more active than the “Knölker complex” (1a) and other members of its family, has been expanded to the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of a wider range of aldimines and ketimines, either pre-isolated or generated in situ. The kinetics of 1b-promoted CTH of ketimine S1 were assessed, showing a pseudo-first order profile, with TOF = 6.07 h–1 at 50 % conversion. Moreover, the chiral complex 1c and its analog 1d were employed in the enantioselective reduction of ketimines and reductive amination of ketones, giving fair to good yields and moderate enantioselectivity.