Ru(II) xantphos complex as an efficient catalyst in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds

In the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic/aliphatic carbonyl compounds using iso-propanol–potassium hydroxide mixture as hydrogen donor, a mixed ligand Ru(II) complex, prepared from xantphos ligand and RuCl2(dmso)4, was examined. Besides, the solid state structure of the Ru (II) complex was determined using X-ray single crystallography. The catalytic reactivity of the complex was remarkable (up to 99%) and the catalyst showed more efficiency in the reduction of ketones than aldehydes.