Hydrogen-Bonding Ability of Noyori-Ikariya Catalysts Enables Stereoselective Access to CF 3 -Substituted syn -1,2-Diols via Dynamic Kinetic Resolution.

Stereopure CF 3 -substituted syn -1,2-diols were prepared via the reductive dynamic kinetic resolution of the corresponding racemic α-hydroxyketones in HCO 2 H/Et 3 N. (Het)aryl, benzyl, vinyl, and alkyl ketones are tolerated, delivering products with ≥95% ee and ≥87:13 syn / anti . This methodology offers rapid access to stereopure bioactive molecules. Furthermore, DFT calculations for three types of Noyori-Ikariya ruthenium catalysts were performed to show their general ability of directing stereoselectivity via the hydrogen bond acceptor SO 2 region and CH/π interactions.