Synthesis of Pincer Hydrido Ruthenium Olefin Complexes for Catalytic Alkane Dehydrogenation

A series of new hydrido Ru(II) olefin complexes supported by isopropyl-substituted pincer ligands have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes are thermally robust and active for catalytic transfer and acceptorless alkane dehydrogenation. Notably, the alkane dehydrogenation catalysts are tolerant of a number of polar functional species.