Recyclable and efficient heterogenized Rh and Ir catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds in aqueous medium

The transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds to alcohols using cheap and environmentally benign hydrogen sources has evolved as an important green reaction. Developing an efficient, recyclable, and industrially viable catalyst that could be operable in aqueous solution is essential for the exclusive production of alcohols. In this context, we report heterogeneous, covalent triazine framework (CTF)-based Rh and Ir catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds to alcohols in water, with >99% conversion using formic acid/sodium formate as the hydrogen source. The CTF-based Rh catalyst showed superior activity to the Ir analog, meanwhile, the Ir catalyst maintained excellent activity during recycling.