Three bidentate N, O-magnesium complexes: Synthesis, characterization and their use as catalysts in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Deprotonation of HOC(CH2)5CH2C6H4–NMe2-2 (L1H) and HOC(CH2)5C6H4–NMe2-2 (L2H) by equivalent of n-BuLi afforded the pale yellow mixture L1Li or L2Li, which reacted with MgBr2 in different molar ratios to give three novel bidentate N, O-magnesium complexes (1), (2) and (3), respectively. Complexes 1–3 were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Each of the complexes 1, 2 and 3 was tested for the capability of catalyzing transfer hydrogenation of ketones. Complex 1 exhibited good to excellent catalytic activity, while complexes 2 and 3 showed good activities for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones.