A noval method for the synthesis of optically active β-hydroxy sulfones was developed. Through a substitution/dynamic kinetic resolution–asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, the presented method was based on one-pot enantioselective organic transformations of α–bromoindenones and sodium arylsulfinate. The protocol employed RuCl2[(S,S)–TsDPEN](mesitylene) as a catalyst, and sodium formate as a hydrogen
The dynamic kinetic resolution of β-keto sulfones was achieved via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation using (S,S)-RuCl[N-(tosyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine](p-cymene) in the presence of formic acid and triethylamine afforded the desired products in good yield with up to >99 : 1 dr and high ee up to >99%.