Hydrogenation of non-activated alkenes catalysed by water-soluble ruthenium carbonyl clusters using a biphasic protocol

The use of the water soluble ruthenium clusters Ru-3(CO)(12-x)(TPPTN)(x) (x = 1 1, 2 2 or 3 3) and H4Ru4(CO)(11)(TPPTN) 4 (TPPTN = P{m-C6H4SO3Na)(3)) as catalyst precursors in the hydrogenation of non-activated alkenes under biphasic conditions is described. Each cluster displays activity under mode rate conditions, ca. 60 atm. H-2 at 60 degrees C, with catalytic turnovers up to ca. 500. The trinuclear clusters undergo transformation during reacti on but can be reused repeatedly without loss of activity. Other methodologi es such as ionic liquid-organic and the use of silica supports have been at tempted with these clusters but they are less effective than the aqueous-or ganic regime. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.