Selective Transfer Hydrogenation and Hydrogenation of Ketones Using a Defined Monofunctional (P∧N(Bn)∧N(Bn)∧P)-RuII Complex

A defined (P boolean AND N boolean AND N boolean AND P)-Ru complex possessing tertiary amines within the ligand backbone proved to be highly active both in transfer hydrogenations and hydrogenations of a variety of ketones. As compared to the existing catalytic systems, no bifunctional activation of H-2 or of the substrate by the metal center and a secondary amine within the ligand backbone is required to obtain high activities at catalyst loadings of down to 10 ppm.