Ruthenium-p-cymene Complex Side-Wall Covalently Bonded to Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Hybrid Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyst

A half-sandwich ruthenium-p-cymene organometallic complex has been immobilized at Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) sidewalls through a stepwise covalent chemistry protocol. The introduction of amino groups by means of diazonium-chemistry protocols leads the grafting at the outer walls of the nanotubes. This hybrid material is active in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones to yield alcohols, using as hydrogen source 2-propanol. SWNT-NH2-Ru presents a broad scope, performing the reaction under aerobic conditions and can be recycled over 9 consecutive reaction runs without losing activity or leaching ruthenium out. Comparison of the activity with related homogeneous catalysts reveals an improved performance due to the covalent bond between the metal and the material, achieving turnover frequencies as high as 192774 h(-1).

Automated summary

A half-sandwich ruthenium-p-cymene organometallic complex has been immobilized on the sidewalls of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) through a stepwise covalent chemistry protocol, enabling efficient transfer hydrogenation of ketones to alcohols. The hybrid material shows high activity, recyclability and improved performance compared to related homogeneous catalysts due to the covalent bond between the metal and the material, achieving high turnover frequencies.