Tandem Suzuki–Miyaura/transfer hydrogenation reaction catalyzed by a Pd–Ru complex bearing an anionic dicarbene

• A rare example of a hetero-bimetallic Pd–Ru anionic dicarbene complex is presented.
• The compound is used in homogeneous tandem catalysis.
• The catalytic selectivity depends on the timely order of solvent addition.

A hetero-bimetallic Pd–Ru N-Heterocyclic Dicarbene (NHDC) complex was synthesized from a Ag–Ru complex by transmetalation. The Pd–Ru system displays high catalytic activity in tandem Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling/transfer hydrogenation reaction of bromoaryl ketones with boronic acids in toluene and 2-propanol in the presence of KOH.

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