Unprecedented Catalytic Hydrogenation of Urea Derivatives to Amines and Methanol

Unprecedented Catalytic Hydrogenation of Urea Derivatives to Amines and Methanol:

Indirect CO₂hydrogenation: Hydrogenation of urea derivatives to the corresponding amines and methanol is reported (see picture). The reaction is catalyzed by a bipyridine-based tridentate PNN Ru(II) pincer complex and proceeds under mild, neutral conditions using 13.6 atm of H₂. A mild approach is offered for the indirect hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol as urea derivatives are available from CO₂.