Homogeneous catalysts can promote the oxidation of primary amines to nitriles without
added chemical oxidants. An amide-derived N,N,N-ruthenium(II)–hydride complex was discovered that promotes the dehydrogenation of
primary and secondary amines to the corresponding nitriles and imines with concomitant
liberation of H2, notably without added hydrogen acceptor or base. The dehydrogenative protocol is
tolerant of substrates that contain oxidizable functionality and is selective for
the dehydrogenation of primary amines (-CH2NH2) in the presence of amines without α-CH hydrogens.
Key words
homogeneous catalysis - amines - dehydrogenation - nitriles - chemoselectivity