Hydrogenation of C-C multiple bonds mediated by [Pd(NHC)(PCy(3))] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) under mild reaction conditions

Chemistry. 2009 Mar 2;15(11):2509-11. doi: 10.1002/chem.200802412.

Abstract

N-Heterocyclic carbenes do it again! [Pd(SIPr)(PCy(3))] (1; SIPr=N,N'-(bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidine), which is stable under H(2), was shown to be a highly active catalyst for the hydrogenation of a wide range of alkenes and alkynes. Reactions proceed under mild conditions (relatively low Pd loading, RT, low pressures of H(2)) even when sterically hindered alkenes (tri- and tetra-substituted) are used.