Catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles and dehydrogenation of amines with the rhodium(I) hydrido compounds [RhH(PPri3)3] and [Rh2H2(µ-N2){P(cyclohexyl)3}4]

Abstract

[RhH(PPrⁱ₃)₃] and [Rh₂H₂(µ-N₂){P(cyclohexyl)₃}₄] are active catalysts for the hydrogenation of nitriles under ambient conditions, producing primary amines selectively; they are also active for the dehydrogenation of amines at higher temperatures to give nitriles or imines.