title: Synthesis of primary amines: first homogeneously catalyzed reductive amination with ammonia.
abstract: [reaction: see text] The synthesis of primary amines via reductive amination of the corresponding carbonyl compounds with aqueous ammonia is achieved for the first time with soluble transition metal complexes. Up to an 86% yield and a 97% selectivity for benzylamines were obtained in the case of various benzaldehydes by using a Rh-catalyst together with water-soluble phosphine and ammonium acetate. In the case of aliphatic aldehydes, a bimetallic catalyst based on Rh/Ir gave improved results.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Organische Katalyseforschung (IfOK) an der Universität Rostock e.V., Buchbinderstrasse 5-6, D-18055 Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Thoralf
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Abdul Majeed
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Seayad
authors.forename: Moballigh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beller