Stable N-functionalised ‘pincer’ bis carbene ligands and their ruthenium complexes; synthesis and catalytic studies

Abstract

Deprotonation of 2,6-bis(arylimidazolium)pyridine dibromide with KN(SiMe3)2 gave thermally stable 2,6-bis(arylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine, which was further used to prepare ruthenium ‘pincer’ complexes; the latter show catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds.