One-pot reductive amination of carboxylic acids: a sustainable method for primary amine synthesis

Abstract

The reductive amination of carboxylic acids is a very green, efficient and sustainable method for the production of (bio-based) amines. However, with current technology, this reaction requires two to three reaction steps. Here, we report the first (heterogeneous) catalytic system for the one-pot reductive amination of carboxylic acids to amines, with solely H₂ and NH₃ as the reactants. This reaction can be performed with relatively cheap ruthenium–tungsten bimetallic catalysts in the green and benign solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). Selectivities of up to 99% for the primary amine could be achieved at high conversions. Additionally, the catalyst is recyclable and tolerant for common impurities such as water and cations (e.g. sodium carboxylate).