Ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes of [ONNO]-type mediated transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Stable ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes of general formula [RuX(EPh3)(LL′)] (X = Cl or Br; E = P or As; LL′ = [ONNO] donor of the heterocyclic Schiff base ligands) are accessible via simple and convenient synthesis. The complex [RuCl(PPh3)(DHAphen)] is found to be efficient catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones in an excellent conversion up to 99% in the presence of isopropanol/KOH.