The Need: Transition metal-catalyzed hydroelementation reactions address a critical demand in various industries by facilitating the addition of H-E (E = H, Si, B) across C-C double bonds. These reactions are vital in the chemical sector, particularly in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and food industries, where alkene hydrogenation reactions play a pivotal role in converting alkenes and aromatics into valuable saturated products.

The Technology: The technology employs catalysts featuring Earth-abundant transition metals, such as cobalt or iron, coordinated with a family of tridentate pincer ligands. These ligands, with a central N-heterocyclic phosphinite fragment and two appended phosphine sidearms, stabilize low spin electron configurations and promote metal-centered two-electron redox changes. Synthesized through a straightforward process from commercially available precursors, these ligands can be coordinated to metals in a single step to form catalytic metal complexes.

Commercial Applications:

• Alkene hydrogenation reactions in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and food industries.
• Hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions for incorporating reactive functional groups into hydrocarbon feedstocks.
• Bulk application in the industrial silicone industry for alkene hydrosilylation.
• Preparation of boronate esters for constructing complex molecules in the fine chemical industry.

Benefits/Advantages:

• Utilization of Earth-abundant transition metals like cobalt reduces costs and increases sustainability compared to precious metals.
• Catalysts featuring tridentate pincer ligands offer high activity and selectivity in hydrofunctionalization reactions.
• Simple synthesis process with commercially available precursors enables cost-effective production.
• Catalysts remain active under mild conditions, allowing for efficient conversion of substrates.
• Relatively tolerant to air and moisture exposure, enhancing stability and ease of handling in industrial settings.