Improving the Industrial Feasibility of Metal-Free Hydrogenation Catalysts Using Chemical Scavengers

A modified process using inexpensive poison scavengers has been developed that allows for more economical and practical scale-up of metal-free catalytic hydrogenation. The scavengers remove impurities such as water and aldehydes that can hinder catalysis allowing for the use of commercial-grade solvents, substrates and gases. In addition, the scavengers have the unique ability to regenerate poisoned catalysts, allowing for increased turnover numbers and longer catalyst lifetimes. Hydrogenations of unpurified imine substrates proceed with high yield using a variety of metal-free hydrogenation catalysts, demonstrating the general compatibility of this process.