A Formally Zwitterionic Ruthenium Catalyst Precursor for the Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones that Does Not Feature an Ancillary Ligand NH Functionality

Abstract

Fast and furious: Even without the assistance of an NH donor ligand, the Ru complex shown in the scheme is a remarkably active precatalyst for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones in basic iPrOH (R,R′=alkyl or aryl), providing near-quantitative yields within minutes and exhibiting consistently high turnover frequencies (104 to 105 h−1) for a diverse range of substrates. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z700345_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.