Abstract
The ability of FLPs to activate dihydrogen has been applied to provide metal-free catalysts for hydrogenation. The early results that demonstrate this precedent setting finding are discussed in the light of the limited literature pertaining to metal-free catalysis prior to 2006. Subsequent studies are detailed that exploit FLPs by broadening the substrate scope, extending the limits of functional group tolerance, and facilitating the ease of handling. This discussion is limited to FLP systems derived from borane-based Lewis acids as these systems dominated the early developments.
Publisher
The Royal Society of Chemistry