Catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives and polyureas

Abstract

We present here the catalytic hydrogenation of various urea derivatives to amines and methanol. The reaction is catalyzed by a ruthenium or an iridium Macho pincer complex and produces amine and methanol in very good to excellent yields. Moreover, we also expand this concept to demonstrate the first example of the hydrogenative depolymerization of polyureas to produce diamines and methanol in moderate yields.