Homogeneously catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols: A progress report

Catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols represents an attractive approach for future applications as hydrogen storage systems and clean synthesis of fine chemicals. Herein, an overview of recent progress in homogeneously catalyzed acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation is presented. In Nature, dehydrogenation of alcohols is efficiently catalyzed by multiple metalloenzymes where a non-noble metal-ligand interplay is key to activate and transform a substrate. We highlight the introduction of multifunctional cooperative ligands in the coordination sphere of the metal center in order to improve catalytic activity under photochemical, electrochemical or thermal conditions. Moreover, metal-ligand cooperativity is crucial for an easy transition to first row metal based catalysis, as we have seen in the recent years. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This paper reviews recent advances in homogeneously catalyzed acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation, highlighting the importance of metal-ligand cooperativity in catalyzing the reaction and the potential positive impact of introducing multifunctional cooperative ligands.