Catalytic hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives using copper(i)/N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

Abstract

A simple and air-stable copper(I)/N-heterocyclic carbene complex enables the catalytic hydrogenation of enoates and enamides, hitherto unreactive substrates employing homogeneous copper catalysis and H₂ as a terminal reducing agent. This atom economic transformation replaces commonly employed hydrosilanes and can also be carried out in an asymmetric fashion.