Polymer supported N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium complex catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Polymer supported N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium complex (Poly-Ru-1) was synthesized by free radical polymerization of Ru complex monomer and divinylbenzene. The structure of Poly-Ru-1 was characterized by 13C solid-state NMR spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 13C solid-state NMR spectra indicated the complete polymerization of Ru complex monomer. Poly-Ru-1 had the high specific surface area of 286.7 m2 g−1 and ruthenium was in +2 oxidation state. Poly-Ru-1 showed higher catalytic activity than the corresponding homogenous catalyst in transfer hydrogenation of ketones, which was attributed to the high dispersion of the active sites.