Catalytic Hydrogenations with Cationic Heteroleptic Copper(I)/N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes

Published as part of the Special Section 10th EuCheMS Organic Division Young Investigator Workshop

Abstract

A new heteroleptic cationic copper(I) complex bearing two N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands has been prepared. In situ, a Cu–O­ bond can be generated which enables the complex to catalytically activate H₂. The resulting complex shows activity in catalytic chemo- and stereoselective alkyne semihydrogenations as well as conjugate reductions of enones.

Key words

copper - NHC ligands - hydrogenation - homogeneous catalysis - alkynes - enones

• References and Notes

• 1 Present address: Stratingh Institute for Chemisty, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands.

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