General asymmetric hydrogenation of hetero-aromatic ketones

[GRAPHICS] trans-RuCL2[(R)-xylbinap][(R)-daipen] or the S,S complex acts as an efficie nt catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of hetero-aromatic ketones. The hy drogenation proceeds with a substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio of 1000-40000 to give chiral alcohols in high ee and high yield. The enantioselectivity appears to be little affected by the properties of the hetero-aromatic ring . This method allows for asymmetric synthesis of duloxetine, an inhibitor o f serotonin and norepinephrine uptake carriers.