Nickel-Catalyzed Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones

An efficient and versatile synthesis of alcohols via transfer hydrogenation from ketones with isopropanol, utilizing [Ni(6,6 '-(OH)2-2,2 '-bpy)][Br2] under alkaline conditions, has been documented. It was noteworthy that many readily reducible or labile functional groups such as nitro, cyano, and halide, within the same molecular framework, did not undergo any change under the standard reaction conditions. Furthermore, the gram scale transfer hydrogenation reaction was successfully carried out with good yield using a common route with only a single purification by column chromatography. A nickel complex [Ni(6,6 '-(OH)2-2,2 '-bpy)][Br2] was found to be a highly efficient and general catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones. It was noteworthy that many readily reducible or labile functional groups such as nitro, cyano, and halide did not undergo any change under the reaction conditions. Furthermore, the gram-scale experiment can also be successfully conducted. image