Heterogenized (PNNP)Ru Complex Catalyst on Merrifield Resin for Hydrogenation of Unactivated Amides

Hydrogenation of amides with selective C-N bond cleavage over C-O scission remains challenging, especially under heterogenized molecular catalysis. Herein, we report the immobilization of a robust ruthenium complex on the surface of Merrifield resin (RuPCY2@MR) as a highly effective and selective heterogenized organometallic catalyst for the C-N bond cleavage of amides. Characterization of this complex was performed employing different techniques, including ICP-AES, IR, XRF, TGA, XPS, 31P CP/MAS NMR, and SEM. This heterogenized catalyst enables the hydrogenation of different unactivated aromatic and aliphatic amides with excellent selectivity toward C-N scission in up to 99% yield with low catalyst loadings (1 mol %). The heterogeneity of this catalyst was proven by a hot filtration test, and catalyst recycling was performed in up to three cycles.