Atomically Dispersed Ru Catalyst Locked in Knitting Aryl Network Polymers: A Robust Heterogeneous Catalyst for Borrowing Hydrogenation in Aqueous Micelles

Fabrication of water-stable and atomically dispersed ruthenium catalysts for sustainable borrowing hydrogenation (BH) reactions is a long-standing challenge. Herein, we developed an atomically dispersed Ru catalyst that has been successfully employed for BH reactions in aqueous micelles under mild conditions. The micellar cooperativity with the hydrophobic knitted aryl polymers (KAPs) led to the formation of microconfinements, which act as the confined space for catalysis in water. The catalyst was characterized by using various techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HAADF-STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) have been used to understand the role of micelles, reagents, and materials in the generation of confined space in water. The catalyst was found to be recyclable for five cycles without a significant loss of its catalytic activity. We have also demonstrated a 1 g scale reaction for the alkylation of acetophenone and synthesis of Donepezil, a marketed drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, using our method.