Highly Efficient Deoxygenation of Aryl Ketones to Arylalkanes Catalyzed by Dioxidomolybdenum Complexes

The first method for the deoxygenation of ketones to alkanes catalyzed by dioxidomolybdenum complexes is reported. The system PhSiH3/[(MoCl2O2)-Cl-VI(H2O)(2)] proved to be highly efficient for the deoxygenation of a large variety of diaryl ketones and acetophenones to give the corresponding alkanes in good to excellent yields. This new method uses an inexpensive and environmentally friendly dioxidomolybdenum complex that can be used in at least 12 catalytic cycles with excellent activity.