The metal-free hydrogenation of various unsaturated molecules including imines, enamines, silyl enol ethers and heterocyclic compounds has been made possible due to the fascinating recent development of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). However, FLP-hydrogenation of a,b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds remains a significant challenge, requiring the use of highly specialized Lewis acid/base pairs. Herein, we will discuss our on-going investigations into these highly challenging metal-free hydrogenations, including reaction optimization, substrate scope, stereo-selectivity and computational studies.

Frustrated Lewis pair hydrogenation of a,b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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