Ruthenium(II) and phase transfer-catalyzed reduction reactions by synthesis gas

Abstract

Dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) is a good catalyst for the phase transfer-catalyzed reduction of nitro compounds by synthesis gas [1:1 CO/H 2] at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The reaction is less effective with carbon monoxide alone while no reaction occurs using hydrogen alone. The synthesis gas reaction is sensitive to steric effects and the nature of the phase transfer agent.