What Types of Reactions Do Ruthenium Complexes Catalyze?
Ruthenium complexes are involved in various types of catalytic reactions, including:
1. Olefin Metathesis: Ruthenium-based catalysts, such as Grubbs' catalysts, are widely used in olefin metathesis, a reaction that reconfigures carbon-carbon double bonds. 2. Hydrogenation: Ruthenium catalysts are highly effective in the hydrogenation of alkenes, alkynes, and carbonyl compounds. 3. Oxidation: Ruthenium complexes can catalyze the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones and the oxidation of alkenes to epoxides. 4. C-H Activation: Ruthenium catalysts are employed in C-H activation, a process that directly functionalizes C-H bonds in organic molecules, allowing for the creation of complex molecules from simple ones.
