Work

Synthesis, Characterisation, and Catalytic Evaluation of Ru‐ONO Complexes Featuring N‐ and P‐Based Ligands

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Nine new ruthenium complexes featuring nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands were synthesised from a Ru precursor featuring a rigid ONO‐pincer ligand. The choice of nitrogen‐ and phosphorous‐based ancillary ligands was guided by a careful evaluation of their different electronic and steric properties. This evaluation aimed to understand how these ligands, once coordinated, could influence the structural, electronic, and catalytic activity of the corresponding complexes. The range of complexes showed moderate catalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation of alcohols, with the best performing catalyst achieving 96 % conversion in 1 hour (TON=96, TOF=96 h−1). All complexes were characterised using 1H, 13C, 31P (where applicable) NMR spectroscopy, CHN (microanalysis) and HR‐MS analyses. Single crystal structures were obtained for all nine new complexes, as well two new polymorphs of the precursor complex. Complimentary electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry) and density functional theory (DFT) studies provided additional insights into the structural and electronic properties of the different complexes.

Source: European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry

DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202400619

Authors: Babatunde Awe, Glendin Swart, Elizabeth Erasmus, Frederick P. Malan

Institutions: University of Pretoria, University of the Free State

Language: English

Topic: Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Research Foundation

Award: G3917548082