ABSTRACT: Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation is an important transformation for the
production of fine chemicals. Traditionally, platinum group metals are used to catalyze this
reaction, but recent pressure for greener practices has driven the development of basemetal
catalysts. Due to the growing interest in this area of research, the underlying concepts
for this type of chemistry are suitable for an undergraduate laboratory. A two-part
experiment was adapted from original research and tested for use in an upper-division
undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory. The first part of the experiment explores the
template synthesis of a trans-bis-acetonitrile iron complex with a tetradentate ligand. The
product from the first laboratory period is used as the starting material in the second
laboratory period that focuses on the synthesis of a green catalyst mimic. Students learn
about multi-step synthesis, specifically the synthesis of a catalyst for green chemistry, and
key inorganic chemistry concepts to help reinforce topics introduced during lectures.