Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium(II) complexes based on diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine and their applications in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

► Chemistry of diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (PPh2Py). ► Transfer hydrogenation catalysts based on hydrido-carbonyl ruthenium complexes. ► Complexes of hydrido-carbonyl ruthenium based on diamine/diimine and PPh2Py ligands. ► Reduction of ketones to corresponding alcohol in basic 2-propanol.