Iron(II)-bis(isonitrile) complexes: novel catalysts in asymmetric transfer hydrogenations of aromatic and heteroaromatic ketones.

Chiral iron(ii)-bis(isonitrile) complexes catalyse the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones with enantioselectivities up to 91% ee, most likely via hydride transfer through imine intermediates, generated by in situ reduction of the isonitrile ligands, whereas iron acts as a Lewis acid to activate the ketone.