Stepwise Hydrogenation of Benzonitrile on a Ru₃‐Cluster

Abstract

Two products of the reduction of PhCN on Ru3(CO)12 with H2 at atmospheric pressure have been isolated and characterized: the PhCHNH and PhCH2NH2-complexes 1 and 2, respectively. This reaction demonstrates the validity of the concept of using clusters as models for catalyst surfaces.