Selective Utilization of N-acetyl Groups in Chitin for Transamidation of Amines

The selective transformation of chitin into various renewable N-containing chemicals and medicines has attracted increasing attention. However, the N-acetyl groups in construct strong hydrogen bond networks, which restricts its depolymerization transformation. conversion robust commonly requires considerable base catalysts to remove group as a byproduct advance, is non-compliance with principle atomic economy. Herein, for first time we demonstrate novel approach achieve utilization transamidation amines. A series amine derivatives, mainly including aliphatic amine, cyclic functionalized aromatic could be selectively converted corresponding amide products frequently found pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, solid residue after removing acetyl (denoted De-chitin) sufficient exposure -NH 2 catalyst shows excellent performance aldol condensation reaction furfural acetone produce fuel precursors. Our process provides strategy that exploiting every functional adequately substrates obtain value-added chemicals.