Liquid phase hydrogenation of some heterocyclic nitrogen compounds over ruthenium catalysts

Results are given for the hydrogenation of some heterocyclic nitrogen compounds (pyrrole, pyridine, indole, quinoline, and acridine) and certain derivatives of them in the liquid phase under pressure, in the presence of ruthenium catalysts. The results obtained indicate that these catalysts are very effective, making it possible to obtain high yields of the corresponding saturated compounds. In the cases of quinoline and acridine, depending on the temperature, double bonds in the polycyclic systems can be selectively hydrogenated.