Catalytic Hydrogen Transfer Reactions

• Published in: Chinese journal of chemistry 2021-12, Vol.39 (12), p.3211-3218
• Main Author: Zhu, Shou‐Fei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: B—H bond insertion reaction; Catalysis; Chemical reactions; Chiral proton transfer shuttle; Hydrogen; Hydrogen bonds; Hydrogen transfer; Hydrosilylation; Insertion; Iron catalysis; Organic chemistry; Protons
• ISSN: 1001-604X; 1614-7065
• DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202100449

Our recently studies on three types of reactions with hydrogen transfer as a key step, including catalytic asymmetric proton transfer reactions using “chiral proton transfer shuttle”, catalytic B—H bond insertion containing a hydrogen atom transfer, and iron‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions containing hydride transfer were briefly introduced. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? The discovery of B—H bond insertion reaction. How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? The reaction of B—H bond insertion was a serendipitous result during we pursuing the other carbene insertion reactions. My lesson on this project is that the discovery may come from bold hypothesis, cautious verification, and appropriate evaluation on unexpected results. How do you supervise your students? Try my best to stimulate their enthusiasm for innovation, provide them strongest supports, and explore unknown with them as a partner. What is the most important personality for scientific research? Passion for self‐actualization and curiosity. How do you keep balance between research and family? Travel with my family regularly and try to share my research progresses with them. The studies from hydrogen transfer prospect enabled us to coin a concept of “chiral proton transfer shuttle”, find a set of B—H bond insertion reactions, and develop Fe catalysts for hydrosilylation.