Catalytic Hydrogenation of Terminal Alkenes by a (PPP) Pincer-Ligated Cobalt(II) Complex

A Co(II) complex, (PPHP)CoI2, was synthesized and evaluated as a precatalyst for the hydrogenation of terminal alkenes under mild conditions (1 atm H2, ambient temperature) using KBEt3H as an activator. This catalytic system was found to be active for terminal alkene substrates, including 1,1′-disubstituted alkenes, and to exhibit modest air and moisture stability. A preliminary investigation into substrate scope and functional group tolerance was performed. Upon the completion of catalytic reactions, the sole metal complex observed was identified as the dimeric species [(PPP)CoH]2suggesting that the catalytically active species may be a cobalt hydride monomer.