Ruthenium(II) NNO pincer type catalyst for the conversion of aldehydes to amides

The reaction of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] and 2-(2-thiazolylazo) cresol ligand (TAC) in benzene under reflux afforded a new pincer type ruthenium(II) carbonyl complex containing thiazolylazo cresol of general formula [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)(TAC)] (TAC = mono anionic NNO donor). The complex has been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and 1H NMR spectral methods. The crystal structure of the complex [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)(TAC)] has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction which reveals the presence of a distorted octahedral geometry in the complex. The complex has been shown as an efficient catalyst for the conversion of aldehydes to amides in a one-pot process in the presence of NH2OH·HCl/NaHCO3.

Ruthenium(II) NNO pincer type complex was synthesized from the reaction of 2-(2-thiazolylazo) cresol ligand with [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] in benzene and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and X-diffraction methods. The catalytic activity of [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)(TAC)] for the transformation of aldehydes to amides was investigated, yielding 95% in the presence of toluene/NaHCO3.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Generation of new pincer type ruthenium(II) carbonyl thiazolylazo complex is reported.
► The catalytic efficiency of the complex was investigated in the transformation of aldehydes to amides for the first time.
► Present result indicates that the conversion of aldehydes to amides is excellent.