The development of chiral alcohols through the reduction of ketones is industrially relevant due to the prevalence of chiral alcohols as starting materials in pharmaceuticals and industrial technologies. To further advance these ketone reductions, novel and sustainable methods must be established. Herein, we report our efforts toward the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones using nickel(II) and copper(II) catalysts bound to an aminoquinoline (AQ) based tridentate (NNN)-ligand in aqueous conditions. The synthesis and characterization of these Cu<sup>2+</sup> and Ni<sup>2+</sup> complexes were completed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, HR-MS, and X-ray crystallography. The catalytic efficiency of these systems was optimized by altering catalyst loading, solvent, reducing agents, and reaction times. We have also utilized these catalysts to develop parallel hybrid systems with DNA constructs to provide an enantiomeric environment for ketone reduction in aqueous solutions. Hybrid systems of nickel(II) and copper(II) catalysts were screened with several DNA samples including ST-DNA, CT-DNA, and several small DNA constructs to support chiral ketone reduction.

Hemilabile tridentate (NNN) ligand-based metal(II)-complexes preparation and applications in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones

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