Hydride transfer reactions catalysed by rhodium–tin complexes

Abstract

Rhodium–tin chloride complexes catalyse the dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol to acetone and also hydrogen–deuterium exchange between the α-CH and the hydroxy-group of isopropyl alcohol. Reactions (1) and (2) explain some features of the dehydrogenation and the results of the hydrogen–deuterium exchange can be explained if the hydrogen of the rhodium hydride intermediate exchanges with protons from the solvent. Me₂CH·OH +[Rh^IIICl]⇌ Me₂CO +[Rh^IIIH]+ HCl (1), [Rh^IIIH]+ HCl →[RhCl]^III+ H₂(2)