Non-covalently dendronized flavins as organocatalysts for aerobic reduction of olefins

A variety of association complexes of synthetic flavin with diaminopyridine and melamine receptors are described in terms of synthesis, association properties, and catalytic activities for aerobic hydrogenation of olefins. The 1:1 association complex of lumiflavin 1 with 2,6-bis(acylamino)pyridine receptor bearing 3,4,5-trialkoxybenzyl ether dendron unit 2 acts as an efficient supramolecular organocatalyst for the aerobic reduction of styrene at ambient temperature under atmospheric air pressure.