Recent Advances in Iridium-Catalysed Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions

The chapter 'Recent Advances in Iridium-Catalysed Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions' delves into the latest developments in the field of transfer hydrogenation reactions using iridium catalysts, with a focus on the period from 2015 to 2020. It begins by introducing the concept of transfer hydrogenation and its significance, tracing back to the pioneering work of Meerwein and Verley in 1925. The chapter then explores the evolution of the transfer hydrogenation reaction, including the incorporation of transition metal compounds in the 1960s and the groundbreaking work of Noyori and co-workers in the 1990s. The text covers various types of ligands used in iridium complexes, such as pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, carbene, pincer, and other ligands, and their applications in transfer hydrogenation. It also discusses the expansion of the scope of substrates and the development of more abundant and sustainable transition metal catalysts. The chapter is structured to classify the results obtained according to the type of ligand and includes subsections on the transfer hydrogenation of CO2, water, biological systems, and other relevant topics. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the remarkable features and achievements in the field of iridium-catalysed transfer hydrogenation reactions, making it a valuable resource for specialists in catalysis and chemical research.