Reductive amination of triglycerides to fatty amines over a titanium oxide-supported Pt–Mo catalyst

Abstract

The reductive amination of naturally abundant triglycerides is a promising approach for the synthesis of fatty amines. However, existing catalytic systems for this transformation typically require harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we present a titanium oxide-supported platinum–molybdenum (Pt–Mo/TiO₂) catalyst that promotes the reductive amination of triglycerides to fatty amines. The Pt–Mo/TiO₂ catalyst exhibits a high activity under milder conditions, specifically at 1 MPa of H₂, surpassing the performance of previously reported catalysts. A wide range of triglycerides, including cooking oils, are successfully converted into the corresponding fatty amines in high yields. The Pt–Mo/TiO₂ catalyst is reusable and applicable to gram-scale reactions, demonstrating the high potential of Pt–Mo/TiO₂ for green and sustainable fatty amine production.