Catalytic Deoxygenation of Amine and Pyridine N-Oxides Using Rhodium PCcarbeneP Pincer Complexes

Rhodium PCcarbeneP pincer complexes 1-L (L = PPh3, PPh2(C6F5), PCy3) readily facilitate deoxygenation of amine and pyridine N-oxides. The resulting complexes exhibit η2-C═O coordination of the resulting keto POP pincer ligand. These η2-C═O linkages in the metalloepoxide complexes are readily reduced by isopropyl alcohol and various benzylic alcohols. Thus, efficient catalytic deoxygenation of amine and pyridine N-oxides is possible using complexes 1-L and isopropyl alcohol. This represents a pioneering example of PCcarbeneP pincer complexes being used as catalysts for catalytic deoxygenation.