The catalytic deaminative hydrogenation of amides is among the most atom economical methods to produce amines. Additionally, the selective reduction of biologically ubiquitous amides remains an important target for catalytic method development. Recently, pincer iron catalysts of the type (iPrPNHP)Fe(H)2(CO) iPrPNHP = HN{CH2CH2(PiPr2)}2) have been found to promote selective C-N bond hydrogenolysis in secondary and tertiary amides. This presentation will discuss computational and experimental studies into the mechanism of this reduction reaction, as well as the significant improvement in catalytic performance observed in the presence proton shuttle agents. Mechanistic insights into the role of these additives has led to the use of push-pull proton shuttles as highly effective co-catalysts for amide hydrogenation.

Role of push-pull proton shuttles in catalytic amide hydrogenation

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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