Hydrogenation of Fluoroalkyl Ketones on Water under Atmospheric Pressure Catalyzed by a Water-Soluble Metal–Ligand Bifunctional Iridium Catalyst

The hydrogenation of fluoroalkyl ketones on water under atmospheric pressure has been accomplished. In the presence of water-soluble iridium complex [Cp*Ir(6,6′-(OH)2-2,2′-bpy)(OH2)][OTf]2 (0.5 mol %), a series of desirable products were obtained in high yields. It was confirmed that OH functional groups in bpy ligand are crucially important for the catalytic activity. Furthermore, DFT calculations and the application potential of the present catalytic system are also presented.