Catalytic hydrogenation of N-benzylideneaniline using a new complex of ruthenium(II) derived from 2-ferrocenyl-1,8-naphthyridine

2-Ferrocenyl-1,8-naphthyridine (1) and cis,cis,cis-dicarbonyl-dichloro-bis (2-ferrocenyl-1,8-naphthyridine) ruthenium(II) complex (2) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The structure of the compounds was determined by X-ray analysis. The complex (2) showed catalytic activity in the hydrogenation reaction of N-benzylideneaniline by hydrogen transfer with conversions between 89% and 33% for catalyst/substrate relations 200/1 and 400/1.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis and characterization of new ruthenium(II) derived from 2-ferrocenyl-1,8-naphthyridine is reported. The complex was studied as catalysts in hydrogen of imine reaction in basic solution.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► The cis, cis, cis-dicarbonyl-dichloro-bis (2-ferrocenyl-1,8-naphthyridine) ruthenium (II) complex is a very active catalyst in the hydrogenation of N-benzylideneaniline in basic media, with high conversions. ► The use of sodium hydroxide prevents the competitive reaction of hydrolysis.