Arene-ruthenium(II)-phosphine complexes: Green catalysts for hydration of nitriles under mild conditions

Abstract

Three new arene-ruthenium(II) complexes were prepared by treating [{RuCl(µ-Cl)(η6-arene)}2] (η6-arene = p-cymene) dimer with tri(2-furyl)phosphine (PFu3) and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), respectively to obtain [RuCl2(η6-arene)PFu3] [Ru]-1, [RuCl(η6-arene)(PFu3)(PTA)]BF4[Ru]-2 and [RuCl(η6-arene)(PFu3)2]BF4[Ru]-3. All the complexes were structurally identified using analytical and spectroscopic methods including single-crystal X-ray studies. The effectiveness of resulting complexes as potential homogeneous catalysts for selective hydration of different nitriles into corresponding amides in aqueous medium and air atmosphere was explored. There was a remarkable difference in catalytic activity of the catalysts depending on the nature and number of phosphorus-donor ligands and sites available for catalysis. Experimental studies performed using structural analogues of efficient catalyst concluded a structural-activity relationship for the higher catalytic activity of [Ru]-1, being able to convert huge variety of aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic nitriles. The use of eco-friendly water as a solvent, open atmosphere and avoidance of any organic solvent during the catalytic reactions prove the reported process to be truly green and sustainable.