Synthesis of alkyl iodides/nitriles from carbonyl compounds using novel ruthenium tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate) as catalyst

Aldehydes and ketones were hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohols, which were then transformed in situ into their respective iodides and nitriles in good yields. A structurally well-defined O-containing transition metal complex, Ru (TMHD)3, was found to be the active catalyst for hydrogenation, iodination and cyanation reactions. It has high affinity for the transformation of benzylic alcohols to iodides and nitriles.