Synlett 2013; 24(7): 777-780
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1318312
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Frustrated Lewis Pair Catalyzed Hydrogenations

Jan Paradies*
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany   Fax: +49(721)60848581   Email: jan.paradies@kit.edu
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Further Information

Publication History

Received: 14 January 2013

Accepted after revision: 04 February 2013

Publication Date:
25 February 2013 (online)


Abstract

The frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) catalyzed hydrogenation of organic molecules is discussed. The saturation of polarized double bonds by FLP can be described as the nucleophilic addition of hydrides to the polar double bond prior to proton transfer. In contrast, the hydrogenation of olefins proceeds first by protonation forming a transient carbocation, which is subsequently attacked by the hydride. Both processes give rise for efficient conversion of unsaturated organic compounds by a metal-free methodology employing molecular hydrogen.