Efficient transfer hydrogenation of carbonate salts from glycerol using water-soluble iridium N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts

Abstract

Thermally-robust and water-soluble Ir(<sc>i</sc>) and Ir(<sc>iii</sc>) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes with sulfonate functionalized wingtips are prolific catalysts for carbonate transfer hydrogenation from glycerol without additives in aqueous media.