A Highly Active Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Amides to Alcohols and Amines

A Highly Active Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Amides to Alcohols and Amines:

Amide-zing: The reaction between 2 equivalents of Ph₂P(CH₂)₂NH₂ and cis-[Ru(CH₃CN)₂(η³-C₃H₅)(cod)]BF₄ (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) forms a highly active catalyst precursor for the selective hydrogenation of amides. The reaction proceeds with excellent atom economy, yield, and turnover numbers (TONs) under moderate reaction conditions. The technology offers a greener, practical approach to the use of metal hydride reagents commonly employed in both academia and industry.