Synlett 2024; 35(20): 2346-2366
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775409
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Special Issue to Celebrate the 75th Birthday of Prof. B. C. Ranu

Methanol for Hydrogenation and Methylation of Carbonyls: Advances and Challenges in Homogeneous Catalysis

Authors

  • Manohar Shivaji Padmor

    a   Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
    b   Inorganic Materials and Catalysis Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India
  • Sanjay Pratihar

    a   Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
    b   Inorganic Materials and Catalysis Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India

The authors are grateful for funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) (CRG/2021/002384).


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Abstract

The catalytic dehydrogenation of methanol to give formaldehyde or formic acid, followed transfer hydrogenation and/or tandem (de)hydrogenation for the hydrogenation and C-methylation of carbonyls, offers advantages over traditional methods, including milder reaction conditions, improved safety, greater selectivity, and enhanced sustainability. This account provides a comprehensive overview of homogeneous catalysts reported for the transfer hydrogenation and C-methylation of various substrates, including ketones, chalcones, esters, and amides, using methanol as both a hydrogen donor and methylation source. We provide specific examples and mechanistic insights for each strategy, offering a thorough and concise overview of recent advancements from 2014 to 2024.

1 Introduction

2 Methanol Activation Strategies

3 Hydrogenation of Carbonyls

4 Methylation of Carbonyls

5 Outlook and Summary



Publication History

Received: 06 August 2024

Accepted after revision: 10 September 2024

Article published online:
18 October 2024

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