Cobalt pincer complex-catalyzed highly enantioselective hydrogenation of quinoxalines

A cobalt pincer complex bearing both P and C-stereogenic centers has been designed and synthesized, allowing for the development of the first cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of quinoxalines under relatively mild conditions. Valuable chiral 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxalines could be obtained with high yields and excellent eantioselectivities (35 examples, up to >99% ee)