Two optically active heterocyclic imine ligands 3 (3a and 3b) have been synthesised for the iridium catalysed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 4-benzoylpyridine. 3b was characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The two ligands (3a and 3b) were applied to Ir-catalysed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 4-benzoylpyridine using 2-propanol as a source of hydrogen. The results showed that the corresponding chiral alcohol could be obtained with moderate yield and enantioselectivity at an optimum temperature.
