Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones and Phenols Enabled by Cyclic (Amino)(alkyl)carbene Rhodium Complexes

Air-stable Rh complexes ligated by
strongly σ-donating cyclic
(amino)­(alkyl)­carbenes (CAACs) show unique catalytic activity for
the selective hydrogenation of aromatic ketones and phenols by reducing
the aryl groups. The use of CAAC ligands is essential for achieving
high selectivity and conversion. This method is characterized by its
good compatibility with unsaturated ketones, esters, carboxylic acids,
amides, and amino acids and is scalable without detriment to its efficiency.