Ruthenium-catalyzed Ionic Hydrogenation Reactions

Homogeneous hydrogenation of C=N bonds remains a challenge to catalysis, particularly when enantioface selectivity is needed. During the past decade some progress has been made in this area; however, high enantioselectivities has been obtained only for limited classes of imines or their derivatives. There is thus a great need to develop new catalyst systems for asymmetric hydrogenation of C=N bonds. This book begins with a brief literature survey on the mechanisms of C=N hydrogenation, followed by a detailed description of ionic hydrogenation, an alternative method and new concept for hydrogenation. The main focus of the book is on the scope and mechanism of ruthenium-catalyzed ionic hydrogenation reactions. This information should be useful to industrial scientists who are seeking chemoselective and stereoselective hydrogenation processes, as well as to academic researchers who are interested in reaction mechanisms and catalyst design.