Selective Synthesis of Primary Amines by Kinetic?based Optimization of the Ruthenium?Xantphos Catalysed Amination of Alcohols with Ammonia

The selective synthesis of primary amines directly from several alcohols and ammonia using a homogeneous catalyst based on HRuCl(CO)(PPh3)3 Xantphos is presented. key to success was the detailed understanding all mutually influencing parameters such as temperature, excess, substrate concentration. These studies were supported by determination kinetics, which allowed reaction order be calculated 0.7. Furthermore, kinetic model derived mechanism confirmed. After measuring profiles for parameters, optimized conditions obtained, finally amination aliphatic, cyclic, well secondary with selectivities desired amine exceeding 90 % at quantitative alcohol conversion only minimal formation undesired amines. catalytic activity commercially available robust system drastically improved, corresponding turnover frequency (TOF)>60 h?1 after 30 minutes number (TON) 120.