A Concerted Transfer Hydrogenolysis: 1,3,2‐Diazaphospholene‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of NN Bond with Ammonia–Borane

Abstract

Abstract 1,3,2‐diazaphospholenes catalyze metal‐free transfer hydrogenation of a NN double bond using ammonia–borane under mild reaction conditions, thus allowing access to various hydrazine derivatives. Kinetic and computational studies revealed that the rate‐determining step involves simultaneous breakage of the BH and NH bonds of ammonia–borane. The reaction is therefore viewed as a concerted type of hydrogenolysis.