Low‐Pressure Hydrogenation of Nitriles to Primary Amines Catalyzed by Ruthenium Pincer Complexes. Scope and mechanism

The catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines constitutes an environmentally benign and atom‐economical methodology in synthetic organic chemistry. However, selective hydrogenation can be challenging, and usually elevated pressure and the use of various additives is required. Herein the hydrogenation of aromatic and aliphatic nitriles to form primary amines catalyzed by ruthenium pincer complexes is described. The reactions are conducted at low H2 pressure, low catalytic loadings and, in case of a variety of benzonitriles, under neutral conditions and without any additives. Mechanistic insight is provided. Nitrile Hydrogenation: Hydrogenation of nitriles to the corresponding primary amines under low hydrogen pressure, catalyzed by ruthenium pincer complexes is reported.