First example of direct reductive amination of aldehydes with primary and secondary amines catalyzed by water-soluble transition metal catalysts

• Published in: Tetrahedron letters 2006-05, Vol.47 (22), p.3633-3636
• Main Authors: Robichaud, André, Nait Ajjou, Abdelaziz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aldehydes; Molecular hydrogen; Reductive amination; Secondary amines; Tertiary amines; Water-soluble catalyst
• ISSN: 0040-4039; 1873-3581
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.03.153

An unprecedented efficient and highly selective direct reductive amination of aldehydes with primary and secondary amines in water using gaseous hydrogen and water-soluble catalysts is developed. The catalytic system formed in situ from Pd(PhCN) 2Cl 2 and 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC) allows full conversion of aldehydes and the formation of desired alkylated amines with excellent yields and selectivities. The catalytic system is stable and can be recycled and reused three times without loss of activity. An unprecedented efficient and highly selective direct reductive amination of aldehydes with primary and secondary amines in water using gaseous hydrogen and water-soluble catalysts is developed. The catalytic system formed in situ from Pd(PhCN) 2Cl 2 and 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC), allows full conversion of aldehydes and the formation of desired alkylated amines with excellent yields and selectivities. The catalytic system is stable and can be recycled and reused three times without loss of activity.