General Synthesis of Alkyl Amines via Borrowing Hydrogen and Reductive Amination

Abstract Amines are a very important class of compounds and the selective synthesis of differently substituted primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl amines is challenging. Here we present the synthesis of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl amines from ammonia and alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and hydrogen by combining borrowing hydrogen or hydrogen autotransfer and reductive amination with hydrogen. The key is a nanostructured, bimetallic Co/Sc catalyst able to mediate both reactions or concepts efficiently. We observe a broad product scope, a very good functional group tolerance, upscaling is easily accomplished and our catalyst is reusable.