SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF PHOSPHINITE LIGAND-CONTAINING RUTHENIUM CATALYSTS IN TRANSFER HYDROGENATION

Transfer hydrogenation (TH) is a highly significant reaction in organic chemistry, especially in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. This method involves the transfer of hydrogen from a donor molecule to an unsaturated substrate, offering a safer and more convenient alternative to direct hydrogenation, which typically requires high-pressure hydrogen gas. TH stands out for its ability to selectively reduce multiple functional groups under milder conditions, thereby reducing the risk of overreduction or damage to sensitive functional groups. This technique is particularly valuable in asymmetric synthesis (AS), where chiral catalysts enable the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, crucial for drug development. Ruthenium complexes are particularly noteworthy for their effectiveness in asymmetric TH. Their stability and adaptability to different reaction environments make them ideal for both laboratory-scale and industrial applications. Phosphinite ligands (P(OR)R'2) are used in synthesis of complexes to improve their properties. These ligands are known for their ability to finely tune the electronic and steric properties of metal centers. The electron-donating nature of the phosphorus atom, combined with the variability in the R and R' groups, allows for significant customization of the catalyst's properties. The purpose of the work is to review up-to-date discoveries in the field of TH. The integration of phosphinite ligands into ruthenium catalysts marks a significant advancement in the field of TH. These catalysts exhibit enhanced efficiency, selectivity, and stability, proving crucial in AS. The study's exploration of various hydrogen sources, bases, and mechanisms has provided deeper insight into the process of TH.