Rapid olefin hydrogenation catalyzed by anion-promoted ruthenium clusters.

In this paper, it is reported that olefins can be rapidly hydrogenated under mild conditions using anion (especially isocyanate)-promoted ruthenium clusters. The catalyst selectively reduces terminal, unactivated olefins. This work establishes that halides and pseudohalides can be used to promote-olefin-based catalytic reactions under conditions that are mild enough that the cluster may remain intact. 13 references, 2 figures.