Abstract
Copper(II) complexes (3a–d and 4a–d) containing tridentate 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl) pyridine (bzimpy) were synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, elemental analysis, IR, UV and mass spectroscopy. These complexes were tested as catalysts in transfer hydrogenation (TH). The effects of wingtip substituents on bzimpy ligand to the TH activity of Cu(II) complexes were investigated. Among the catalysts, complex 4d with sterically bulky bzimpy ligand showed the highest catalytic activity in this transformation.
Graphical Abstract
![](/cms/asset/c9abc79d-061d-41cc-8d72-183e92818f0f/gcoo_a_1840561_uf0001_c.jpg)
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.