In Situ-Generated CuI Catalytic System for Oxidative N-Formylation of N-Heterocycles and Acyclic Amines with Methanol

The development of a sustainable and simple catalytic system for N-formylation of N-heterocycles with methanol by direct coupling remains a challenge, owing to many competing side reactions, given the sensitivity of N-heterocycles to many catalytic oxidation or dehydrogenation systems. This work concerns the development of an in situ-generated Cu^I catalytic system for oxidative N-formylation of N-heterocycles with methanol that is based on the case study of a more typical 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline as substrate. Aside from N-heterocycles, some acyclic amines are also transformed into the corresponding N-formamides in moderate yields. Furthermore, a probable reaction mechanism and reaction pathway are proposed and extension of work based on some findings leads to a demonstration that the formed ⋅O₂ ^- and ⋅OOH radicals in the catalytic system is related to the formation of undesired tar-like products.

Glycolaldehyde as a Bio-Based C1 Building Block for Selective N-Formylation of Secondary Amines

Biomass derived glycolaldehyde was employed as C1 building block for the N-formylation of secondary amines using air as oxidant. The reaction is atom economic, highly selective and proceeds under catalyst free conditions. This strategy can be used for the synthesis of cyclic and acyclic formylamines, including DMF. Mechanistic studies suggest a radical oxidation pathway.

Catalytic Production of Alanine from Waste Glycerol

Chemical synthesis of amino acids directly from biomass feedstock is rare. Reported here is a one-step protocol to convert crude glycerol, from the biodiesel industry, into 43 % alanine over a Ru₁ Ni₇ /MgO catalyst. The multifunctional catalytic system promotes glycerol conversion into lactic acid, and then into alanine. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the existence of bimetallic RuNi species, whereas density-functional theory calculations suggested Ni-doped Ru substantially decreased the E_a of C-H bond dissociation of lactate alkoxide to form pyruvate, which is the rate-determining step. The catalytic route established in this work creates new opportunities for glycerol utilization and enriches the substrate scope of renewable feedstock to access value-added amino acids.