Biomimetic transfer hydrogenation of ketones with iron porphyrin catalysts

For the first time in situ generated iron porphyrins have been applied as homogeneous catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones. Using 2-propanol as hydrogen source various ketones are reduced to the corresponding alcohols in good to excellent yield and selectivity. Under optimized reaction conditions high catalyst turnover frequencies up to 642 h−1 are achieved.