Reductions of unsaturated organic molecules

Reductions of unsaturated organic molecules by alkali metals in liq NHj are used in organic syntheses, e.g. ... 

The aim of this chapter is to examine the application of well-defined N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes, as well as the systems prepared in situ which involve free NHCs or the precursor salt, for the reduction of unsaturated organic molecules such as alkynes, alkenes and carbonyl compounds. The most active complexes for such reactions are based on electron-rich, late transition metals in low oxidation states. Herein, reductions useful for organic synthesis will be classified into four types according to the hydride source used (i) hydrogenations, (ii) transfer hydrogenation, (iii) hydrosilylation and (iv) hydroboration. For examples of reduction reactions with systems containing non-classical NHC ligands, the reader is referred to Chapter 5. 

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