Hydrogenation and Cross-Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Mn, Fe, and Co Aromatic Pincer Complexes

Currently, the development of environmentally benign and effective catalytic reactions for organic synthesis based on low-cost and abundant metals is one of the central research goals in modern chemistry. This review covers the advancements in homogeneously catalyzed reactions using pincer complexes of manganese, iron, and cobalt featuring aryl and pyridine central backbones. Specifically, C–C coupling reactions and hydrogenation reactions of alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, nitriles, CO2, carbamates, ureas, cyclic imides and azo compounds are described, including their scope and mechanistic insights. Overall, this review emphasizes that the combination of inexpensive and readily available metals, such as Mn, Fe, and Co, with pincer ligands that are capable of ligand–metal cooperation may lead to the creation of innovative, versatile, and effective catalysts, some of which can even exceed the activity of state-of-the-art noble-metal systems for green chemistry processes.