The
PPh
3-substituted hydroxycyclo
pentadienyl ruthenium hydride [2,5-Ph
2-3,4-Tol
2(
5-C
4COH)]Ru(CO)(PPh
3)H (
1) stoichiometrically reduces aldehydes and ketones in the
presence of a
pyridine tra
pto
produce alcohols and the ruthenium
pyridine com
plex
5, with a rate law that is de
pendent only on[aldehyde] and [
1]. The observation of deuterium kinetic isoto
pe effects on substitution of the acidic andhydridic
protons of
1 are consistent with concerted transfer of hydrogen to aldehydes during reduction.
1 catalytically hydrogenates aldehydes under mild tem
perature and
pressure conditions. While the Shvocatalyst
2 shows little activity under these conditions, it sur
passes
1 at elevated tem
peratures and
pressures.
1 shows high chemoselectivity for catalytic hydrogenation of aldehydes over ketones, while
2 is muchless selective.