Catalytic Ionic Hydrogenations

Abstract

Catalytic ionic hydrogenation of ketones occurs by proton transfer to a ketone from a cationic metal dihydride, followed by hydride transfer from a neutral metal hydride. This contrasts with traditional catalysts for ketone hydrogenation that require binding of the ketone to the metal and subsequent insertion of the ketone into a M-H bond. Ionic hydrogenation catalysts based on the inexpensive metals molybdenum and tungsten have been developed based on mechanistic understanding of the individual steps required in the catalytic reaction.