Heterolytic Splitting of Hydrogen with Rhodium(<scp>I</scp>) Amides

Abstract

A split decision: Efficient heterolytic hydrogen splitting is achieved with novel tetracoordinate rhodium(I) amides. This reaction is reversible, and DFT calculations imply that the cleavage is a one-step process with a relatively low activation barrier. Ketones and imines are hydrogenated by the amide complexes without the need for further additives.