Tethered NHC Ligands for Stereoselective Alkyne Semihydrogenations

Abstract

A copper(I)-catalyzed semihydrogenation of internal alkynes has been developed. A variety of oxygen- and nitrogen-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes have been investigated, leading to a highly Z-selective transformation. The catalyst is generated from inexpensive copper(I) chloride in situ and allows catalytic semihydrogenation down to 10 bar H₂.

Key words

alkynes - dihydrogen - copper - stereoselectivity - hydrogenation - NHC ligands

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