Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones and Phenols Enabled by Cyclic (Amino)(alkyl)carbene Rhodium Complexes

Air-stable Rh complexes ligated by strongly σ-donating cyclic (amino)­(alkyl)­carbenes (CAACs) show unique catalytic activity for the selective hydrogenation of aromatic ketones and phenols by reducing the aryl groups. The use of CAAC ligands is essential for achieving high selectivity and conversion. This method is characterized by its good compatibility with unsaturated ketones, esters, carboxylic acids, amides, and amino acids and is scalable without detriment to its efficiency.