N,P]-pyrrole-phosphine ligand: An efficient and robust ligand for Ru-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation microwave-assisted reactions

Abstract

A pyrrolyl-containing [N-P]-ligand (L1) and [Ru] were evaluated as catalytic system in transfer hydrogenation reaction of ketones. A comparison between microwave irradiation vs conventional heating conditions indicates that MW can be successfully used as energy source, improving the reaction time. The L1/Ru(II) proved to be an active, efficient and robust catalytic system. The scope of this catalytic system was evaluated using a diversity of substrates that include electron-withdrawing and electron-donor groups achieving a range of 65 to 95% conversion. Moreover, the catalytic system showed good activity even with highly sterically hindered ketones.