A new generation of homogeneous arene hydrogenation catalysts

The homogeneous hydrogenation of a variety of arene substrates can be catalysed by hydride derivatives of niobium and tantalum. A key feature of these catalysts is the presence of bulky ancillary aryloxide ligation. The systems demonstrate high regio- and stereo-selectivity in the hydrogenation of benzenes and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. A unique characteristic of the niobium compounds is an ability to rapidly hydrogenate arylphosphine ligands, providing a new procedure for the synthesis of cyclohexylphosphine ligands.