Hydrogenation of Carbonyl and Other Functional Groups

II RCOH 0 II RCOR RCH2OH Pd, Ni, Ru Very strenuous conditions required 

Many enantioselective catalysts have been developed for reduction of functional groups, particularly ketones. BINAP complexes of Ru(II)C12 or Ru(II)Br2 give good enantioselectivity in reduction of (3-ketoesters.49 This catalyst system has been shown to be subject to acid catalysis.50 Thus in the presence of 0.1 mol % HC1, reduction proceeds smoothly at 40 psi of H2 at 40° C. 

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbonyl and Other Functional Groups 

Reduction of Carbon-Carbon Multiple Bonds, Carbonyl Groups, and Other Functional Groups 

For reduction of monofunctional ketones, the most effective catalysts include diamine ligands. The diamine catalysts exhibit strong selectivity for carbonyl groups over carbon-carbon double and triple bonds. These catalysts have a preference for equatorial approach in the reduction of cyclohexanones and for steric approach control in the reduction of acyclic ketones.51 

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