Electrohydrogenation of Unsaturated Bonds Catalyzed by Earth-Abundant Metal Complexes

Abstract

Catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most important transformations in both academia and industry. Compared with direct hydrogenation with molecular hydrogen or transfer hydrogenations with hydrides, electrohydrogenation provides an alternative and practical pathway using proton as the hydrogen source. In this review, we have summarized the recent advances in electrohydrogenations of polar and non-polar unsaturated compounds catalyzed by earth-aubundant metal complexes. In addition, we also present a detailed discussion of the scope and limitations, plausible mechanisms and the opportunities for further development.