Ru(II) xantphos complex as an efficient catalyst in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds

In the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic/aliphatic carbonyl compounds using iso-propanol–potassium hydroxide mixture as hydrogen donor, a mixed ligand Ru(II) complex, prepared from xantphos ligand and RuCl2(dmso)4, was examined. Besides, the solid state structure of the Ru (II) complex was determined using X-ray single crystallography. The catalytic reactivity of the complex was remarkable (up to 99%) and the catalyst showed more efficiency in the reduction of ketones than aldehydes.

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► [Ru (P,O,P-xantphos) (S-dmso) Cl2], 1, was synthesized by simple procedures.
► Structure of 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography.
► 1 was tested in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds.