The hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds are important processes1 in the synthesis of fine chemicals as well as in the pharmaceutical, flavor and fragrance industries. The catalysts traditionally used in these processes involve second- and third-row transition metals like Ruthenium, Rhodium, and Iridium.2 The development of a sustainable catalytic process for the reduction carbonyls based on the earth-abundant first-row transition metals is of paramount importance. With this in mind, we have designed and developed iron-based catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyls that can perform at or near ambient temperature and pressure. We will demonstrate that the presence of a Lewis basic center appended to an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is crucial to the reactivity of the catalysts. The synthesis and characterization of these complexes will be presented and the results of catalytic activities will be discussed in the light of mechanistic considerations. 1.            Morris, R. H., Chem. Soc. Rev. 2009,  38, 2282-2291.2.            (a) Eisenstein, O.; Crabtree, R. H., New J. Chem. 2013,  37, 21-27; (b) Ikariya, T.; Blacker, A. J., Acc. Chem. Res. 2007,  40, 1300-1308.

Iron-based molecular catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyls

248th National Meeting (2014)

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