Ruthenium Pincer‐Catalyzed Acylation of Alcohols Using Esters with Liberation of Hydrogen under Neutral Conditions

Abstract
Acylation of secondary alcohols using non‐activated esters, in particular symmetrical esters (such as ethyl acetate), is achieved under neutral conditions with the liberation of molecular hydrogen. This unprecedented, environmentally benign reaction is homogenously catalyzed by a dearomatized ruthenium pincer PNN complex.