Synthesis and catalytic applications of Ru and Ir complexes containing N,O-chelating ligand

Abstract A series of monometallic complexes (Ru1–3, Ir1–3) which have N,O-chelating ligand (pyrazine-2-carboxylate (1), pyridine-2-carboxylate (2), quinoline carboxylate(3) and bimetallic complexes (Ru4,5, Ir4,5) bridged by pyrazine-2,3- dicarboxylate (4) and imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate(5) were synthesized and characterized by 1H-, 13C NMR, FT-IR, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of Ir2 was determined by X-ray crystallography. The complexes (Ru1–5, Ir1–5) were applied to investigate the electronic and steric effect of ligand in their catalytic activities in transfer hydrogenation and alpha(α)-alkylation reaction of ketones with alcohols. The activities of iridium complexes (Ir1–5) were much more efficient than ruthenium complexes (Ru1–5). The highest activity for both reactions was observed for the complex (Ir2) with pyridine-2-carboxylate. The Ir hydride species was monitored for both reactions.