Functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles with a Cu(II) binuclear Schiff base complex as an efficient and reusable nanomagnetic catalyst for N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides

Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles was functionalized with a binuclear Schiff base Cu(II)‐complex (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs) and used as an effective magnetic hetereogeneous nanocatalyst for the N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containig heterocycles. The catalyst, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs, was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) analyses step by step. Size, morphology, and size distribution of the nanocatalyst were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scatterings (DLS) analyses, respectively. The structure of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was checked by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the nanocatalyst were investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. Loading content as well as leaching amounts of copper supported by the catalyst was measured by inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Also, thermal studies of the nanocatalyst was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) instrument. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the catalyst revealed that the copper sites are in +2 oxidation state. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) complex was found to be an effective catalyst for C–N cross‐coupling reactions, which high to excellent yields were achieved for α‐amino acids as well as N‐hetereocyclic compounds. Easy recoverability of the catalyst by an external magnet, reusability up to eight runs without significant loss of activity, and its well stability during the reaction are among the other highlights of this catalyst.     

Rigid‐rod polyamides and polyimides prepared from 4,3″‐diamino‐2′,6′‐di(2‐naphthyl)‐p‐terphenyl and 2′,6′,3‴,5‴‐tetra(2‐naphthyl)‐4,4″‐diamino‐p‐quinquephenyl

A series of rigid‐rod polyamides and polyimides containing p‐terphenyl or p‐quinquephenyl moieties in backbone as well as naphthyl pendent groups were synthesized from two new aromatic diamines. The polymers were characterized by inherent viscosity, elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, X‐ray, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), isothermal gravimetric analysis, and moisture absorption. All polymers were amorphous and displayed T_g values at 304–337°C. Polyamides dissolved upon heating in polar aprotic solvents containing LiCl as well as CCl₃COOH, whereas polyimides were partially soluble in these solvents. No weight loss was observed up to 377–422°C in N₂ and 355–397°C in air. The anaerobic char yields were 57–69% at 800°C. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 15–24, 1999     

Synthesis,characterization, and thermal properties of a novel pentaerythritol‐initiated star‐shaped poly(p‐dioxanone)

A novel star‐shaped poly(p‐dioxanone) was synthesized by the ring‐opening polymerization of p‐dioxanone initiated by pentaerythritol with stannous octoate as a catalyst in bulk. The effect of the molar ratio of the monomer to the initiator on the polymerization was studied. The polymers were characterized with ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the polymers were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The novel star‐shaped poly(p‐dioxanone) has a potential use in biomedical materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1245–1251, 2006     

A Dynamic Crystal‐to‐Amorphous Transformation Microporous ZnII Mixed Neutral‐ligand Metal‐organic Polymer {[Zn(bpp)2(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2·H2O}n

A new rarely reported Zn^II mixed‐polypyridine coordination polymer with both rigid and flexible spacers, {[Zn(bpp)₂(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O}_n ( 1 ), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR‐, ¹H NMR‐, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stability of compound 1 was studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of 1 shows that the complex has been formed from a 1D polymer as a result of bridging by the 4,4′‐bipy ligands. Solution and solid‐state luminescent spectra of the compound 1 indicate intense fluorescent emissions at ca. 353.6 and 468.8 nm, respectively. Removal of the interstitial water guest molecules results in a loss of crystallinity, but exposure to water vapor reestablishes the original structure, thus constituting 1 as a third‐generation porous framework.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel soluble reactive ladder‐like polysilsesquioxane with side‐chain 2‐(4‐chloromethyl phenyl) ethyl groups

A new kind of soluble structure‐ordered ladder‐like polysilsesquioxane with reactive side‐chain 2‐(4‐chloromethyl phenyl) ethyl groups ( L ) was first synthesized by stepwise coupling polymerization. The monomer, 2‐(4‐chloromethyl phenyl) ethyltrichlorosilane ( M ), was synthesized successfully by hydrosilylation reaction with dicyclopentadienylplatinum(II) chloride (Cp₂PtCl₂) ­catalyst. Monomer and polymer structures were characterized by FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, ²⁹Si‐NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). This novel reactive ladder‐like polymer has promise potential applications as initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization, and as precursor for a variety of advanced functional polymers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylic acid)–copper(II) and poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylic acid)–cobalt(II) complexes: Synthesis,characterization, and thermal behavior

The free‐radical copolymerization of N‐phenylmaleimide (N‐PhMI) with acrylic acid was studied in the range of 25–75 mol % in the feed. The interactions of these copolymers with Cu(II) and Co(II) ions were investigated as a function of the pH and copolymer composition by the use of the ultrafiltration technique. The maximum retention capacity of the copolymers for Co(II) and Cu(II) ions varied from 200 to 250 mg/g and from 210 to 300 mg/g, respectively. The copolymers and polymer–metal complexes of divalent transition‐metal ions were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The thermal behavior was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). The TG and DSC measurements showed an increase in the glass‐transition temperature (T_g) and the thermal stability with an increase in the N‐PhMI concentration in the copolymers. T_g of poly(N‐PhMI‐co‐AA) with copolymer composition 46.5:53.5 mol % was found at 251 °C, and it decreased when the complexes of Co(II) and Cu(II) at pHs 3–7 were formed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4933–4941, 2005     

Copper(I) complex of 1,3‐DimethylBarbituric acid modified SBA‐15 and its catalytic role for the synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones and Imidazoles

An efficient one‐pot method for synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones and tri/tetra substituted‐1H‐imidazoles has been accomplished in the presence of catalytic amounts of Cu(I)‐1,3‐dimethylbarbituric acid modified SBA‐15 as heterogeneous catalyst with good to excellent yields. The catalyst is reusable and can be applied several times without any decrease in product yield. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).     

Synthesis,characterization and application of 3‐methyl‐1‐sulfonic acid imidazolium tetrachloroferrate as nanostructured catalyst for the tandem reaction of β‐naphthol with aromatic aldehydes and amide derivatives

3‐methyl‐1‐sulfonic acid imidazolium tetrachloroferrate {[Msim]FeCl₄} was prepared and fully characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal gravimetric (DTG), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and used, as an efficient catalyst, for the tandem reaction of β‐naphthol with aromatic aldehydes and benzamide at 110 °C under solvent‐free conditions to give 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols in high yields and very short reaction times.     

DFT Calculations,Spectroscopic Studies,Biological Activity and Non Linear Optical Properties (NLO) of Novel Ternary Cu(II)‐Chelates Derived from 5‐Acetyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,3‐thiazinedione

New ternary Cu(II)‐chelates with the general formula [ML L′(H₂O)_x] (NO₃)_y x (H₂O), x = 0–2 and y = 0–1, (L) = 5‐acetyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,3‐thiazine‐2,6(3H)‐dione with in the presence of a secondary ligand (L′) [N,O‐donor; 8 hydroxyquinoline or N,N‐donor; 1,10‐phenanthroline and diethethylendiamine]. Characterization of the synthesized complexes was established based on elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, spectral (infrared, electronic, mass, ¹H‐NMR and ESR) as well as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The complexes exhibited octahedral and square planer geometry. The antimicrobial activity for the studied complexes was tested for different kind of organisms. The geometrical and non‐linear optical parameters of the studied complexes 1–3 are investigated theoretically at the B3LYP/GENECP level of theory. The optimized geometries of the studied complexes are non‐planner as indicated from the dihedral angles. The natural charge population (core, valence and Rydberg), exact electronic configuration, total Lewis, and total non‐Lewis is computed and discussed in terms of natural bond orbitals (NBO) analysis. The calculated E_HOMO and E_LUMO energies at the same level of theory of the studied complexes were used to calculate the global properties; hardness (η), global softness (S), electrophilicity (ω) and electronegativity (χ). The total dipole moment (μ_tot), total and anisotropy of polarizability (? α ?), (Δα) and first hyperpolarizability (? β ?) values were calculated and compared with urea as a reference compound. From the values of the computed first hyperpolarizability (? β ?), the ligand and the studied complexes show promising optical properties.     

One‐pot Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans Catalyzed by PEG‐1000 Bridged Primary Amine Functionalized Dicationic Ionic Liquid in Water

A novel poly (ethylene glycol) bridged primary amine functionalized dicationic ionic liquid ([PA‐PEG₁₀₀₀‐DIL][BF₄]) was synthesized and characterized by ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, FT‐IR and ESI‐MS. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated the high thermal stability of [PA‐PEG₁₀₀₀‐DIL][BF₄]. It was used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of substituted tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans through a one‐pot three‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and dimedone in 86% ～ 96% yields within 10 ～ 30 min in water. This method offers several advantages such as mild reaction conditions, simple operation and environmental friendliness. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused for at least five runs without obvious loss of catalytic activity.     

Cu(II) immobilized on mesoporous organosilica as an efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for one‐pot Biginelli reaction under solvent‐free conditions

Cu(II) immobilized on mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (Cu²⁺@MSNs‐(CO₂^?)₂) has been synthesized, as a inorganic–organic nanohybrid catalyst, through a post‐grafting approach. Its characterization is carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyses (TGA‐DTA), and Nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. Cu²⁺@MSNs‐(CO₂^?)₂ exhibits high catalytic activity in the Biginelli reaction for the synthesis of a diverse range of 3, 4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones, under mild conditions. The anchored Cu(II) could not leach out from the surface of the mesoporous catalyst during the reaction and it has been reused several times without appreciable loss in its catalytic activity.     

Side‐chain glycylglycine‐based polymer for simultaneous sensing and removal of copper(II) from aqueous medium

Since glycylglycine (Gly‐Gly) residue in the N‐terminal region of human prion protein, a copper binding protein, binds with Cu(II), N‐terminus Gly‐Gly side‐chain containing water soluble block copolymer was synthesized and used for simultaneous sensing and removal of Cu(II) ion from aqueous medium. The polymer has amide nitrogen atom and ester carbonyl group as potential binding sites in the side‐chain Gly‐Gly pendants. Job's plot experiment confirms 2:1 binding stoichiometry of polymer with Cu(II). This polymer is able to sense parts per billion level of Cu(II) very selectively in an aqueous medium and remove Cu(II) ions quantitatively by precipitating out the Cu(II) via complex formation in the pH range 7–9. The binding mode of polymer with Cu(II) in polymer‐Cu(II) complex was characterized by ¹H NMR, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The attachment of Cu(II) in the polymer‐Cu(II) complex was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry experiment. Cu(II) release from the complex was achieved at pH 5 due to the protonation of amide nitrogen atoms in the Gly‐Gly moiety. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 914–921     

Monomer/polymer Schiff base copper(II) complexes for catalytic oxidative polymerization of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl

Catalytic oxidative polymerization of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl (DHBP) was performed by using both the Schiff base monomer‐Cu(II) complex and Schiff base polymer‐Cu(II) complex compounds as catalysts and hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, respectively. The dependence of monomer conversion and molecular weight distribution on various reaction parameters, including time, temperature, solvent as well as the amount of catalyst and oxidant were investigated. The structure of the poly‐2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl (PDHBP) was confirmed by UV‐vis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy techniques. The electrochemical and thermal properties of PDHBP were also studied. DSC data revealed that PDHBP was amorphous. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2977–2984, 2009     

Synthesis and kinetic study on the thermal degradation of triblock copolymer of polycaprolactone‐poly (glycidyl nitrate)‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PGN‐PCL) as an energetic binder

In this study, an energetic binder is synthesized via ring opening copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone with poly (glycidyl nitrate) (PGN) of low molecular weight (M_n = 1350 g mol^?1) as a macroinitiator to form triblock copolymer polycaprolactone‐PGN‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PGN‐PCL) (M_n = 4128 g mol^?1). The effects of catalyst type and its concentration, reaction time, and solvent are investigated in this polymerization reaction. The resulting triblock copolymer is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC result shows that the glass transition temperature of triblock copolymer (T_g = ?50°C) is lower than PGN (T_g = ?35°C). Also, the decomposition kinetics of this energetic binder is studied by DSC, TGA, and its derivative (DTG). An advanced isoconversional method is applied for kinetic analysis. Activation energy is calculated by Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger methods. The resulting activation energy from Kissinger method for the first and the second steps are 42.98 and 74.56 kJ mol^?1, respectively. Also, it is found from FWO results that the activation energy for the copolymer increases with degradation degree (α).     

Copper(II) Halide Complexes with 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole and 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole

1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (tbtr) was found to react with copper(II) chloride or bromide to give the complexes [Cu(tbtr)₂X₂]_n and [Cu(tbtr)₄X₂] (X = Cl, Br). 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole (tbtt) reacts with copper(II) bromide resulting in the formation of the complex [Cu₃(tbtt)₆Br₆]. The obtained crystalline complexes as well as free ligand tbtr were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal and X‐ray analyses. For free ligand tbtr, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra were also recorded. In all the complexes, tbtr and tbtt act as monodentate ligands coordinated by Cu^II cations via the heteroring N⁴ atoms. The triazole complexes [Cu(tbtr)₂Cl₂]_n and [Cu(tbtr)₂Br₂]_n are isotypic, being 1D coordination polymers, formed at the expense of single halide bridges between neighboring copper(II) cations. The isotypic complexes [Cu(tbtr)₄Cl₂] and [Cu(tbtr)₄Br₂] reveal mononuclear centrosymmetric structure, with octahedral coordination of Cu^II cations. The tetrazole compound [Cu₃(tbtt)₆Br₆] is a linear trinuclear complex, in which neighboring copper(II) cations are linked by single bromide bridges.     

New less toxic zeolite‐encapsulated Cu(II) complex nanomaterial for dual applications in biomedical field and wastewater remediation

A new dual‐functional Cu(II) complex and its nanohybrid form encapsulated into NaY zeolite cavities were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analyses, X‐ray fluorescence, infrared, ¹H NMR, electronic, electron spin resonance and mass spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction, surface area and transmission electron microscopy in addition to conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The encapsulated Cu(II) complex was catalytically tested for degradation of industrial wastewater. The decolorization and mineralization results indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite host is an effective heterogeneous catalyst for real industrial wastewater remediation. In addition, both free and encapsulated Cu(II) complexes were tested as anti‐microbial and anti‐tumour agents. The results show that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite has a high activity (IC₅₀ = 14.4 μg ml^?1). The results of in vivo toxicity experiments indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite is a less toxic biocompatible material (LD₅₀ = 1245 mg kg^?1). The catalytic properties, cytotoxicity and toxicity of the new nanohybrid Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite make it a promising eco‐friendly and biocompatible material for water remediation and biomedical applications.     

Thermal characterization and solid‐state 13C‐NMR investigation of blends of poly(N‐phenyl‐2‐hydroxytrimethylene amine) and poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone)

The miscibility and thermal properties of poly(N‐phenyl‐2‐hydroxytrimethylene amine)/poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PHA/PVP) blends were examined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high‐resolution solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that PHA is miscible with PVP, as shown by the existence of a single composition‐dependent glass transition temperature (T_g) in the whole composition range. The DSC results, together with the ¹³C crosspolarization (CP)/magic angle spinning (MAS)/high‐power dipolar decoupling (DD) spectra of the blends, revealed that there exist rather strong intermolecular interactions between PHA and PVP. The increase in hydrogen bonding and in T_g of the blends was found to broaden the line width of CH—OH carbon resonance of PHA. The measurement of the relaxation time showed that the PHA/PVP blends are homogeneous at least on the scale of 1–2 nm. The proton spin‐lattice relaxation in both the laboratory frame and the rotating frame were studied as a function of the blend composition, and it was found that blending did not appreciably affect the spectral densities of motion (sub‐T_g relaxation) in the mid‐MHz and mid‐KHz frequency ranges. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that PHA has rather good thermal stability, and the thermal stability of the blend can be further improved with increasing PVP content. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 237–245, 1999     

Copolymerization of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(1,4‐dioxan‐2‐one) with designed molecular structure by a solid‐state polymerization method

Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(1,4‐dioxan‐2‐one) (PVA‐g‐PPDO) with designed molecular structure was synthesized by a solid‐state polymerization. The solid‐state copolymerization was preceded by a graft copolymerization of PDO initiated with PVA as a multifunctional initiator, and Sn (Oct)₂ as a coininitiator/catalyst in a homogeneous molten state. The polymerization temperature was then decreased and the copolymerization was carried out in a solid state. The products prepared by solid‐state polymerization were characterized by ¹H NMR and DSC, and were compared with those synthesized in the homogeneous molten state. The degree of polymerization (D_p), degree of substitution (D_s), yield and the average molecular weight of the graft copolymer with different molecular structure were calculated from the ¹H NMR spectra. The results show that the crystallization process during the solid‐state polymerization may suppress the undesirable inter‐ or intramolecular side reactions, then resulting in a controlled molecular structure of PVA‐g‐PPDO. The results of DSC measurement show that the molecular structures determine the thermal behavior of the PVA‐g‐PPDO. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3083–3091, 2006     

The synthesis and characterization of three new vic -dioximes and their nickel(II), copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes

Three new vic-dioximes, [L¹H₂], N-(4-ethylphenyl)amino-1-acetyl-1-cyclohexenylglyoxime, [L²H₂], N-(4-butylphenyl)amino-1-acetyl-1-cyclohexenylglyoxime, and [L³H₂], N-(4-methoxyphenyl)amino-1-acetyl-1-cyclohexenylglyoxime were synthesized from 1-acetyl-1-cyclohexeneglyoxime and the corresponding substituted aromatic amines. Metal complexes of these ligands were also synthesized with Ni(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) salts. These new compounds (ligands and complexes) were characterized with FT–IR, magnetic susceptibility measurement, molar conductivity measurements, mass spectrometry measurements, thermal methods (e.g. thermal gravimetric analysis), ¹H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and ¹³C NMR spectral data and elemental analyses.     

Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalysed by half‐sandwich (η6‐p‐cymene) ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating benzoylhydrazone ligands

Neutral half‐sandwich η⁶‐p ‐cymene ruthenium(II) complexes of general formula [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)Cl(L)] (HL = monobasic O, N bidendate benzoylhydrazone ligand) have been synthesized from the reaction of [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂ with acetophenone benzoylhydrazone ligands. All the complexes have been characterized using analytical and spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR) techniques. The molecular structures of three of the complexes have been determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating a pseudo‐octahedral geometry around the ruthenium(II) ion. All the ruthenium(II) arene complexes were explored as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic, cyclic and aliphatic ketones with 2‐propanol using 0.1 mol% catalyst loading, and conversions of up to 100% were obtained. Further, the influence of other variables on the transfer hydrogenation reaction, such as base, temperature, catalyst loading and substrate scope, was also investigated.