Chiral 8-Amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives in Metal Catalysts for the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of 1-Aryl Substituted-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines as Alkaloids Precursors.

Chiral diamines based on an 8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline backbone, known as CAMPY (), or the 2-methyl substituted analogue Me-CAMPY () were employed as novel ligands in Cp* metal complexes for the ATH of a series of substituted dihydroisoquinolines (DHIQs), known for being key intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active alkaloids. Different metal-based complexes were evaluated in this kind of reaction, rhodium catalysts, and , proving most effective both in terms of reactivity and enantioselectivity. Although modest enantiomeric excess values were obtained (up to 69% in the case of substrate ), a satisfactory quantitative conversion was successfully fulfilled even in the case of the most demanding hindered substrates when La(OTf) was used as beneficial additive, opening up the possibility for a rational design of novel chiral catalysts alternatives to the Noyori-Ikariya (arene)Ru(II)/TsDPEN catalyst.