Magnesium Pincer Complexes and Their Applications in Catalytic Semihydrogenation of Alkynes and Hydrogenation of Alkenes: Evidence for Metal–Ligand Cooperation

Abstract

-alkenes and alkanes as products, respectively, with excellent yields and selectivities. Control experiments and DFT studies reveal the involvement of metal-ligand cooperation in the hydrogenation reactions. This study not only provides a new approach for the semihydrogenation of alkynes and hydrogenation of alkenes catalyzed by magnesium but also offers opportunities for the hydrogenation of other compounds catalyzed by main-group metal complexes.