A Pincer Cobalt Complex as Catalyst with Dual Hydrogenation Activities for Hydrodeoxygenation of Ketones with H2

Reductive deoxygenation of ketones using H-2 is a highly desirable but also challenging transformation in both chemical synthesis, industrial-scale petroleum and biomass feedstock reforming processes. Herein, we report a cooperative cobalt/Lewis acid (LA)-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of ketones using H-2 as the reductant. In particular, the newly developed pincer cobalt catalyst possesses dual hydrogenation activities for both ketones and alkenes under the same reaction conditions. This reaction features a broad substrate scope, excellent functional-group compatibility, and potential applicability.

Automated summary

In this study, we report a method for the reductive deoxygenation of ketones using a cobalt/Lewis acid catalyst and H-2 as the reductant. We discovered that the newly developed catalyst exhibits dual hydrogenation activities for both ketones and alkenes under the same reaction conditions. This method shows a broad substrate scope, excellent functional-group compatibility, and potential applicability.