Facile synthesis of supported Ru-Triphos catalysts for continuous flow application in selective nitrile reduction.

The selective catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles represents an important but challenging transformation for many homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, we report the efficient and modular solid-phase synthesis of immobilized Triphos-type ligands in very high yields, involving only minimal work-up procedures. The corresponding supported ruthenium-Triphos catalysts are tested in the hydrogenation of various nitriles. Under mild conditions and without the requirement of additives, the tunable supported catalyst library provides selective access to both primary amines and secondary imines. Moreover, the first application of a Triphos-type catalyst in a continuous flow process is presented demonstrating high catalyst life-time over at least 195 hours without significant activity loss.

Preparation of a Series of Supported Nonsymmetrical PNP-Pincer Ligands and the Application in Ester Hydrogenation.

In contrast to their symmetrical analogues, nonsymmetrical PNP-type ligand motifs have been less investigated despite the modular pincer structure. However, the introduction of mixed phosphorus donor moieties provides access to a larger variety of PNP ligands. Herein, a facile solid-phase synthesis approach towards a diverse PNP-pincer ligand library of 14 members is reported. Contrary to often challenging workup procedures in solution-phase, only simple workup steps are required. The corresponding supported ruthenium-PNP catalysts are screened in ester hydrogenation. Usually, industrially applied heterogeneous catalysts require harsh conditions in this reaction (250-350 °C at 100-200 bar) often leading to reduced selectivities. Heterogenized reusable Ru-PNP catalysts are capable of reducing esters and lactones selectively under mild conditions.