Ruthenium(II) complexes bearing (NNN) ligand : catalytic evaluation of different solvent-mediated coordination modes

A new (NNN) tridentate ligand was prepared, and its ability to coordinate ruthenium(II) was evaluated. The presence of different functional groups on the ligand allows bi- or tri-coordinated complexes to be obtained depending on complexation conditions. The catalytic activity of both bidentate and tridentate complexes was studied in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of different aryl ketones, showing a comparable behavior of the two complexes in terms of efficiency and stereoselectivity.