Recent developments in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation with Hantzsch esters: a biomimetic approach.

By utilizing Hantzsch esters as the hydrogen source, asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of C=C, C=N, and C=O is realized in the presence of an organocatalyst or a metal-ligand complex, thus affording versatile chiral building blocks in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities under mild conditions. A detailed discussion of recent findings and an assessment of this biomimetic approach are presented in this review.