A ruthenium(II) complex bearing a naphthyridine-functionalized pyrazole ligand catalyzes oxidant-free and acceptorless selective double dehydrogenation of primary amines to nitriles at moderate temperature. The role of the proton-responsive entity on the ligand scaffold is demonstrated by control experiments, including the use of a N-methylated pyrazole analogue. DFT calculations reveal intricate hydride and proton transfers to achieve the overall elimination of 2 equiv of H2.

A ruthenium complex with pyrazole functionality catalyzes oxidant-free and acceptorless selective double dehydrogenation of primary amines to nitriles at moderate temperature, with the proton-responsive entity on the ligand scaffold playing a key role.

Paper

Double Dehydrogenation of Primary Amines to Nitriles by a Ruthenium Complex Featuring Pyrazole Functionality.

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