Catalytic enantioselective borohydride reduction of ortho-fluorinated benzophenones.

[reaction: see text] In the presence of the optically active ketoiminatocobalt(II) complexes, the enantioselective borohydride reduction of benzophenones was successfully completed. The fluorine atom on the ortho position of the benzophenone and aryl ketones proved effective for obtaining high enantioselectivities. The combined use of modified lithium borohydride afforded the corresponding benzhydrols and arylcarbinols in high yield and high enantioselectivity (88-96% ee).