Hydrogenation of Nitriles and Ketones Catalyzed by an Air-Stable Bisphosphine Mn(I) Complex

Efficient hydrogenations of nitriles and ketones with molecular hydrogen catalyzed by a well-defined bench-stable bisphosphine Mn(I) complex are described. These reactions are environmentally benign and atomically economic, implementing an inexpensive, earth-abundant nonprecious metal catalyst. A range of aromatic and aliphatic nitriles and ketones were efficiently converted into primary amines and alcohols, respectively, in good to excellent yields. The hydrogenation of nitriles proceeds at 100 degrees C with catalyst loading of 2 mol % and 20 mol % base (t-BuOK), while the hydrogenation of ketones takes place already at 50 degrees C, with a catalyst loading of 1 mol % and 5 mol % of base. In both cases, a hydrogen pressure of 50 bar was applied.