Homogeneous catalytic reduction of benzalacetone with carbon monoxide and water

The selective hydrogenation of benzalacetone to the corresponding saturated ketone PhCH2CH2COCH3 with CO and water as the hydrogen source is catalyzed by [Rh(diene)L2]+ complexes (diene = 1,5-cyclooctadiene or norbornadiene; L2 = mono- or bidentate phosphorous ligands) and by rhodium and iridium carbonyls. The effects of these catalysts in the water gas shift reaction are also reported.