Frustrated Lewis Pairs for Metal-free Hydrogenation Catalysis

Abstract

This review is focused on ‘frustrated Lewis pair’ (FLP) hydrogenations. Following a discussion of the conceptual discovery and initial efforts to exploit the finding for metal-free hydrogenations, the scope of substrates that are susceptible to FLP hydrogenations are considered. The further advancement of FLPs to enantioselective reductions are discussed. Applications of the concept in transfer hydrogenation, and the reductions of carbon dioxide and main group substrates are also presented. Finally, the utility of the concept of FLPs in several heterogeneous catalysis systems is considered. The review concludes with an outlook for the future of FLP reductions.