A readily accessible ruthenium catalyst for the solvolytic dehydrogenation of amine–borane adducts

Abstract

The use of the readily available complex [Ru(p-Cym)(bipy)Cl]Cl as an efficient and robust precatalyst for homogeneously catalysed solvolysis of amine–borane adducts to liberate the hydrogen content of the borane almost quantitatively is being presented. The reactions can be carried out in tap water, and in aqueous mixtures with non-deoxygenated solvents. The system is also efficient for the dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine–borane under solvent-free conditions.