Unprecedented catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives to amines and methanol

Abstract

Indirect CO 2 hydrogenation: Hydrogenation of urea derivatives to the corresponding amines and methanol is reported (see picture). The reaction is catalyzed by a bipyridine-based tridentate PNN Ru(II) pincer complex and proceeds under mild, neutral conditions using 13.6 atm of H 2. A mild approach is offered for the indirect hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol as urea derivatives are available from CO 2. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.