A homogeneous cobalt catalyst with dual hydrogenation activities was developed for deoxygenation of ketones with a Lewis acid as the co-catalyst. This protocol features a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies supported a hydrogenation-dehydration-hydrogenation pathway for this hydrodeoxygenation reaction.
Comprehensive Summary
Reductive deoxygenation of ketones using H2 is a highly desirable but also challenging transformation in both chemical synthesis, industrial-scale petroleum and biomass feedstock reforming processes. Herein, we report a cooperative cobalt/Lewis acid (LA)-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of ketones using H2 as the reductant. In particular, the newly developed pincer cobalt catalyst possesses dual hydrogenation activities for both ketones and alkenes under the same reaction conditions. This reaction features a broad substrate scope, excellent functional-group compatibility, and potential applicability.