Abstract
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions are extremely useful in organic synthesis. We have investigated numerous reactions with ammonium formate (and other hydrogen gas donor) and 10% Pd/C successfully without using hydrogen gas. The reactions are very fast and produced products with high yields. Reduction of unsaturated groups, hydrogenolysis, reductive bond cleavage, allylic deacetoxylation, and dehalogenation are conducted using this method. In some instances, useful selectivity of reactions is observed. Most of the reactions are investigated with beta-lactams as the substrates.