Rh-PVP Catalyzed Reductive Amination of Phenols by Ammonia or Amines to Cyclohexylamines under Solvent-free Conditions

Colloidal metal nanoparticles were examined for reductive amination of phenol by ammonia under mild reaction conditions. The results showed that Rh-PVP was the most active catalyst for reductive amination reaction. Linear, cyclic, and amino alcohols were used as nucleophiles and converted to primary/secondary/tertiary amines. Using this strategy, the synthesis of an industrially important chemical, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone was explored. Colloidal metal nanoparticles were examined for reductive amination of phenol by ammonia under mild reaction conditions. The results showed that Rh-PVP catalyst was found be the most active for reductive amination reaction. Linear, cyclic, and amino alcohols were used as nucleophiles and converted to primary/secondary/tertiary amines. Using this strategy, the synthesis of an industrially important chemical, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone was explored.