RhIII and IrIII complexes bearing NNO-heteroscorpionates and their application in catalytic transfer hydrogenation

Equimolar treatment of the bis(pyrazol-1-yl)-phenylethanol ligand with [M(Cl)(3)(H2O)(3)] precursors has been performed to obtain novel NNO-heteroscorpionate rhodium(III) (1) and iridium(III) (2) complexes. The structural features of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods in solution and X-ray crystallography in the solid state. Complexes 1 and 2 are efficient catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes under low catalyst loadings.

Automated summary

Novel NNO-heteroscorpionate rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes were synthesized and their structures were characterized. These complexes exhibited efficient catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes under low catalyst loadings.