Spiro[4,4]-1,6-nonadiene-based phosphine-oxazoline ligands for iridium-catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of ketimines.

From imines to amines through catalysis by Ir(I) complexes of a new type of P,N ligand (see scheme): This reaction affords the corresponding optically active amines with up to 98 % ee and has also been used with perfect stereoselectivity in the asymmetric synthesis of sertraline (1), an important antidepressant chiral drug.