Homogeneous catalysis by transition-metal complexes. Part II. An investigation of the hydrogen-transfer reaction catalysed by the henbest system

Abstract

The mechanism of reduction of cyclic ketones by the system iridium(III) salt–sulphoxide–isopropyl alcohol has been investigated. The possible application of this system to the reduction of other unsaturated substrates has been studied. In order to increase the catalytic activity the effect of other reaction conditions, such as the presence of a hydrogen atmosphere or the use of other transition-metal salts has been investigated.The application of these catalytic systems to some selective hydrogenations is discussed.