Catalytic C–N bond formation strategies for green amination of biomass-derived molecules

Abstract

Nitrogenous chemicals are widely used in the synthesis of medicines, fine chemicals, polymers, and agrochemicals. Biomass and its derived molecules are particularly prominent and provide a green and sustainable production route to nitrogenous chemicals because of their substantial reserves, renewability, and environmental friendliness. Great efforts have been made in the catalytic amination of biomass-derived molecules to fabricate nitrogenous chemicals through C–N bond formation. This review summarizes recent progress made in the catalytic amination of biomass-derived molecules including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural (FF), levulinic acid (LA), lignin derivatives and α-keto acids based on the strategies of thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Special attention is paid to advanced catalysts, key intermediates, and detailed reaction pathways in different green catalytic systems, and to discussions of the structure–activity relationships and reaction mechanisms. It ends by listing current challenges in the design and synthesis of biomass-derived nitrogenous compounds and proposes perspectives for future research and development.