Interfacial hydrogenation and deamination of nitriles to selectively synthesize tertiary amines

Switching Selectivity in Copper-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitriles to Primary Amine-Boranes and Secondary Amines under Mild Conditions

A simple and efficient copper-catalyzed selective transfer hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amine-boranes and secondary amines with an oxazaborolidine-BH₃ complex is reported. The selectivity control was achieved under mild conditions by switching the solvent and the copper catalysts. More than 30 primary amine-boranes and 40 secondary amines were synthesized via this strategy in high selectivity and yields of up to 95%. The strategy was applied to the synthesis of ¹⁵N labeled in 89% yield.

A highly active worm-like PtMo nanowire for the selective synthesis of dibenzylamines

Worm-like nanowires are among the most active nanomaterials. In this study, we report the synthesis of dibenzylamine (DBA) motifs from reductive amination of either aldehydes or nitriles catalyzed by entirely new worm-like PtMo nanowires (PtMo WNWs). Under the assistance of H₂ gas, PtMo WNWs can be prepared in a facile manner, following which, their structure and composition are characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, etc. Upon careful optimization of reaction parameters, the as-prepared PtMo WNWs work effectively in the activation of dihydrogen molecules, and both aldehydes and nitriles can be used as starting materials to fabricate DBAs under mild and green conditions. The reaction kinetics has been investigated, which reveals that the PtMo WNWs show superior activity in the conversion of imines into amines. This study provides a practical advancement in the preparation of amines. Moreover, the protocol reported herein is feasible for the synthesis of worm-like nanostructures with designed composition for various catalytic applications.

An efficient synthetic pathway of dibenzylamine (DBA) motifs from reductive amination of either aldehydes or nitriles catalyzed by highly active worm-like PtMo nanowires.

Nitrile hydrogenation using nickel nanocatalysts in ionic liquids

Ni nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) have been proven to be versatile catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of benzonitrile to benzylamine with good recyclability in a biphasic system.

Novel synthesis of N-alkyl amines from tandem coupling of either methylamine or nitroalkane with aldehyde

A novel tandem method was developed to synthesize N-alkyl amines from coupling of either methylamine or nitroalkane with aldehyde.

Novel Metal Nanomaterials and Their Catalytic Applications

In the rapidly developing areas of nanotechnology, nano-scale materials as heterogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of organic molecules have gotten more and more attention. In this review, we will summarize the synthesis of several new types of noble metal nanostructures (FePt@Cu nanowires, Pt@Fe₂O₃ nanowires and bimetallic Pt@Ir nanocomplexes; Pt-Au heterostructures, Au-Pt bimetallic nanocomplexes and Pt/Pd bimetallic nanodendrites; Au nanowires, CuO@Ag nanowires and a series of Pd nanocatalysts) and their new catalytic applications in our group, to establish heterogeneous catalytic system in "green" environments. Further study shows that these materials have a higher catalytic activity and selectivity than previously reported nanocrystal catalysts in organic reactions, or show a superior electro-catalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol. The whole process might have a great impact to resolve the energy crisis and the environmental crisis that were caused by traditional chemical engineering. Furthermore, we hope that this article will provide a reference point for the noble metal nanomaterials' development that leads to new opportunities in nanocatalysis.

Synthesis of Pt dendritic nanocubes with enhanced catalytic properties

Pt dendritic nanocubes (DNCs) were successfully synthesized in oleylamine under a 1 bar H₂ atmosphere. The catalytic activity of Pt DNCs was much greater than conventional Pt nanoparticles (NPs) for methanol electrooxidation.

Highly efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of tertiary amines by reductive alkylation of aldehydes with secondary amines over a Pt nanowires catalyst

A highly efficient and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of tertiary amines by direct interaction of aldehydes with secondary amines was reported over a Pt NWs catalyst under mild reaction conditions.