| abstract |
The patent describes a novel class of ruthenium(II) complexes, containing a cyclometallated phosphine, which have been shown to be effective catalysts of the reduction reaction of ketones to alcohols through transfer hydrogenation. With such ruthenium complexes, using 2-propanol as a source of hydrogen, it is possible to obtain the corresponding alcohol starting from linear and cyclic diaryl, alkylaryl and dialkyl ketones, rapidly and with high yield. Using such complexes and starting from ketone compounds, the process for the production of various types of alcohols, which are important intermediates for the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and the fine chemical industries in general, is particularly convenient. |