Abstract The asymmetric hydrogenation of a series of quinolines substituted by a variety of functionalized groups linked to the C2 carbon atom is providing access to optically enriched 2-functionalized 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinolines in the presence of in situ generated catalysts from [Ir (cod) Cl] 2, a bisphosphine, and iodine. The enantioselectivity levels were as high as 96% ee.
