Electronic Effect of Ruthenium Nanoparticles on Efficient Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds

Highly selective synthesis of primary amines over heterogeneous catalysts is still a challenge for the chemical industry. Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on Nb₂O₅ act as a highly selective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the low-temperature reductive amination of various carbonyl compounds that contain reduction-sensitive functional groups such as heterocycles and halogens with NH₃ and H₂ and prevent the formation of secondary amines and undesired hydrogenated byproducts. The selective catalysis of these materials is likely attributable to the weak electron-donating capability of Ru particles on the Nb₂O₅ surface. The combination of this catalyst and homogeneous Ru systems was used to synthesize 2,5-bis(aminomethyl)furan, a monomer for aramid production, from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural without a complex mixture of imine byproducts.