Cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3

Abstract

Along with its periodic table neighbors, ruthenium has been extensively explored as a catalyst and found to possess a rich chemistry. Specifically, ruthenium hydrides have caught the attention of our group for a long time, thanks to the various reactions they can catalyze. In this minireview, we will summarize our efforts made over the last two decades toward the development of new catalytic methods for the formation of C–C bonds. In particular, the versatility of RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ (or RuH for short) as a commercially available catalyst will be illustrated by eight different transformations. The elementary steps involved in the catalysis will be highlighted to demonstrate how our mechanistic understanding in combination with the diverse catalytic capabilities of RuH can be used to design desired catalytic cycles and develop new cross-coupling reactions with high atom-economy.