Reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes having nitrogen-containing ligands

Catalytic reduction reactions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes with N,N-dimethylammine borane are studied. Palladium and nickel complexes with nitrogen donor ligands such as 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and N,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine are found to be effective catalysts. In the case of [Pd(bpy)Cl2] selective double bond reduction is observed. Comparative results of palladium(II)- and nickel(II)-catalysed reactions are presented.

Graphical abstractThe reduction reactions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes having nitrogen-containing ligands are studied. The [Pd(bpy)Cl2] is an efficient catalyst for selective double bond reduction. The product selectivity and efficacy of copper(II), nickel(II) and palladium(II) catalyst are compared. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide