Hydrogenation of Esters by Manganese Catalysts

The hydrogenation of esters catalyzed by a manganese complex of phosphine-aminopyridine ligand was developed. Using this protocol, a variety of (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic carboxylates including biomass-derived esters and lactones were hydrogenated to primary alcohols with 63-98% yields. The manganese catalyst was found to be active for the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate, providing benzyl alcohol with turnover numbers (TON) as high as 45,000. Investigation of catalyst intermediates indicated that the amido manganese complex was the active catalyst species for the reaction.

Automated summary

The hydrogenation of esters catalyzed by a manganese complex of phosphine-aminopyridine ligand was developed. A variety of esters, including biomass-derived esters and lactones, can be efficiently hydrogenated to primary alcohols with yields of 63-98%. The manganese catalyst showed high activity for the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate, with turnover numbers (TON) as high as 45,000. Investigation of catalyst intermediates revealed that the amido manganese complex is the active species for the reaction.