Mechanistic insight into NOYORI asymmetric hydrogenations.

The BINAP-Ru-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenations have contributed fundamentally to "molecular catalyst chemistry", as well as the "chemical industry", in terms of the production of important chiral compounds such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, and health supplements since 1986 when the great breakthrough was made through an efficient asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines. This highlight overviews mechanistic models proposed in the Noyori hydrogenation of olefins and ketones.