CH/π Attraction: The Origin of Enantioselectivity in Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Chiralη6-Arene-Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Abstract
The through-space CH/π attraction between the η6-arene ligand on Ru and the carbonyl aryl substituent (see transition states in picture) plays a key role in the enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of aromatic carbonyl compounds with 2-propanol or formic acid, catalyzed by chiral η6-arene–RuII complexes.