Selective transfer hydrogenation and hydrogenation of ketones using a defined monofunctional (P^N(Bn)^N(Bn)^P)-Ru(II) complex.

A defined (P^N^N^P)-Ru complex possessing tertiary amines within the ligand backbone proved to be highly active both in transfer hydrogenations and hydrogenations of a variety of ketones. As compared to the existing catalytic systems, no bifunctional activation of H2 or of the substrate by the metal center and a secondary amine within the ligand backbone is required to obtain high activities at catalyst loadings of down to 10 ppm.