Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: This account deals with an overview of our recent progress toward the development of molecular catalysts for the reduction in polar functionalities with molecular hydrogen (H₂). An emphasis is placed on the newly designed Cp*Ru(PN) complexes, which have been identified as efficient catalysts for the hydrogenation of imides. The structural modification of the complex enhances the catalytic performance and allows efficient access to various chiral synthetic intermediates.