A ruthenium racemisation catalyst for the synthesis of primary amines from secondary amines

Abstract

A Ru-based half sandwich complex used in amine and alcohol racemization reactions was found to be active in the splitting of secondary amines to primary amines using NH₃. Conversions up to 80% along with very high selectivities were achieved. However, after about 80% conversion the catalyst lost activity. Similar to Shvo's catalyst, the complex might deactivate under the influence of ammonia. It was revealed that not NH₃ but mainly the primary amine is responsible for the deactivation.