Synthesis, structures and catalytic activity of 1,3-bis(aryl)triazenide(p-cymene)ruthenium(II) complexes

Abstract

The synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and catalytic activity of four new 1,3-bis(aryl)triazenide(p-cymene)ruthenium(II) complexes bearing methoxycarbonyl (5), hydroxymethyl (6), acetylphenyl (7) in the ortho position, and methyl in the para position (8) of the bis(aryl)triazenide ligand are reported. These complexes were used as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation reactions of ketones and alkenone with good to excellent yields of the corresponding alcohol. Remarkable differences in yields were obtained with those complexes with ortho substituents on the aryl group of the triazenide ligand (5–7) compared to that without ortho substituent (8). Good selectivity was also observed in the reduction of the alkenone towards the carbonyl group.