Efficient hydrogen peroxide decomposition to oxygen and water catalysed by a ruthenium pincer complex

Hydrogen peroxide decomposition is a major issue in medicine, energy, and environmental sciences. For example, findings could lead to the development of efficient H₂O₂ removal systems to clean wastewaters. Here I tested several homogeneous catalysts for H₂O₂ decomposition. I found that a dihydride version of a ruthenium complex coordinated by a phosphorous–nitrogen–phosphorus pincer ligand with isopropyl substituents on the phosphorus (PNP^iPr) was superior to the hydride chloride congener. This is in line with previous activity studies with PNP^iPr ruthenium catalysts. Moreover, no additives are necessary, further enhancing the potential scope of this system. By the use of the homogeneous catalyst Ru(H)₂(PNP^iPr)CO, it is possible to obtain turnover frequencies reaching 180,000 h⁻¹ and turnover numbers more than 14,000 in a neutral hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution at 25 °C. Overall, findings reveal an efficient and stable system for hydrogen peroxide decomposition to oxygen and water under mild conditions.