Transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones catalyzed using an aminophosphinite POCNH pincer complex of Ni(ii)

Abstract

The aminophosphinite pincer complex (POCN^H)NiBr was found to effectively catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones with 2-propanol and KO^tBu as a base, presenting a rare example of bifunctional nickel transfer hydrogenation catalysts. The transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones was found to be selective, tolerating a wide range of other functional groups, including those prone to reduction, such as esters, amides, alkenes, pyridines, and nitriles. The reactions were suggested to proceed via the metal-ligand cooperative mechanism with an intermediacy of an amido (POCN)Ni^II species.