Core-Shell Nano-Cobalt Catalyzed Chemoselective Reduction of N-Heteroarenes with Ammonia Borane.

An easily prepared core-shell heterogeneous nanocobalt catalyst was reported, which could achieve selective reduction of N-heteroarenes with ammonia borane under mild conditions and ambient atmosphere. Various quinoline, quinoxaline, naphthyridine, isoquinoline, acridine, and phenanthroline derivatives were hydrogenated with high selectivity and efficiency. Notably, substrates bearing sensitive functional groups under molecular hydrogen reduction conditions, such as cyano, ester, and halogens were well tolerated by the catalytic system. Moreover, with our novel method several bioactive molecules were prepared. Also, this catalyst could be applied in the liquid organic hydrogen storage system by reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of heteroarene in high efficiencies.