Ruthenium(ii)-catalysed direct synthesis of ketazines using secondary alcohols

Abstract

Direct one-pot synthesis of ketazines from secondary alcohols and hydrazine hydrate catalyzed by a ruthenium pincer complex is reported, which proceeds through O–H bond activation of secondary alcohols via amine–amide metal–ligand cooperation in the catalyst. Remarkably, liberated molecular hydrogen and water are the only byproducts.