Synthesis and Applications of (Pyridyl)imine Fe(II) Complexes as Catalysts in Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones

Chiral (pyridyl)imine Fe(II) complexes, [Fe(L1)(3)](2+)[PF6-](2), (Fe1), [Fe(L2)(3)](2+)[PF6-](2), (Fe2), [Fe(L3)(3)](2+)[PF6-](2)(Fe3), and [Fe(L4)(3)](2+)[PF6-](2)(Fe4) were synthesised by reactions of synthons (S-)-1-phenyl-N-(pyridine-2-yl) ethylidine)ethanamine (L1), (R-)-1-phenyl-N-(pyridine-2-yl) ethylidine) ethanamine (L2), (S)-1-phenyl-N-(pyridine-2-yl methylene) ethanamine (L3) and (S)-1-phenyl-N-(pyridine-2-yl methylene)ethanamine (L4) with the FeCl2 salt. The solid-state structure of complex Fe4 showed that the Fe atom contains three units of bidentate bound ligand L4 to form a six-coordinate cationic compound. The Fe(II) complexes were evaluated as catalysts in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones reactions and showed moderate catalytic activities with low enantioselectivity. Catalytic activities of the respective complexes were regulated by the nature of the metal complexes, ketone substrate and reaction conditions. Mercury and sub-stoichiometric poisoning experiments implicate possible formation of both active Fe(0) nanoparticles and Fe(II) homogeneous intermediates.

Automated summary

Chiral (pyridyl)imine Fe(II) complexes were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones reactions. The catalytic activities were regulated by the nature of the metal complexes and reaction conditions, with moderate catalytic activities and low enantioselectivity observed. Poisoning experiments suggested possible formation of both active Fe(0) nanoparticles and Fe(II) homogeneous intermediates.