Cobalt(II)-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of olefins

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of olefins by isopropanol is achieved using an earth-abundant metal cobalt(II) complex based on a pincertype PNP ligand. A range of olefins including aromatic and aliphatic alkenes as well as internal and cyclic alkenes have been transfer hydrogenated in good to excellent yields. The catalyst also showed good functional group and water tolerance to olefin transfer hydrogenation reactions.