Hydrogenation Reactions Catalyzed by PNP-Type Complexes Featuring a HN(CH2CH2PR2)2 Ligand

Abstract

This chapter first provides a brief background of how hydrogenation mechanisms have evolved over the years leading to the blossom of catalytic systems with metal-ligand cooperativity. The main body of the chapter focuses specifically on complexes supported by ligands of the type HN(CH2CH2PR2)2. The discussion of hydrogenation systems is organized based on the central metals including Ru, Fe, Os, Rh, Co, Ir, Ni, Pd, Mo, W, Mn, and Re (in that particular order). Substrates involved in these hydrogenation reactions include olefins, aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, epoxides, nitriles, imines, N-heterocycles, CO2 (to formate or methanol), silyl formates, CO (to ethylene glycol or methanol), and cyclic carbonates. When appropriate, the presence or the lack of metal-ligand cooperativity in these catalytic systems is highlighted.