Direct hydrogenation of biobased carboxylic acids mediated by a nitrogen-centered tridentate phosphine ligand

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/cssc.201501461

A novel nitrogen-centered tridentate ligand was identified from a series of multidentate ligands and applied for the direct hydrogenation of 9 biogenic acids into alcohols, lactones and esters with high yields. Comparison of substrates and ruthenium precursors suggested that the Ru^II hydride cationic species was more active to transform acids than the corresponding lactone or esters.