Formation of C–C and C–N bonds through primary alcohol oxidation catalyzed by ruthenium(II) POCOP pincer complexes

Abstract

In this study, we present the successful application of new and known stable 16‐electron ruthenium(II) pincer complexes POCOP, based on the naphthoresorcinate backbone, [Ru(X)(POCOP)(CO)] (X = H, Cl, Br, I, OCOCF3), in the catalytic alkylation of ketones and the coupling between amines and primary alcohols under mild conditions. These protocols demonstrated tolerance to a wide range of alcohols, ketones, and anilines, with reactions proceeding in high conversions and selectivity towards the hydrogenated ketones and the imines. The use of an excess of alcohol as the proton source facilitated the formation of the hydrogenated products. These results mark a significant advancement in the development of catalytic reactions with ruthenium POCOP pincer derivatives.