Catalyst Simplifies Amine Production

摘要

A NOVEL catalyst may revolutionize the way amines are commercially made, hope researchers at the University of California, Riverside, Calif. Their laboratory trials indicate that the catalyst — a gold atom linked to a cyclic alkyl amino carbene (Figure 1) — provides high yields and good selectivity for the reaction of ammonia and allenes under mild conditions. Moreover, adjusting the ammonia/allene ratio allows significant control over selectivity, notes Guy Bertrand, distinguished professor of chemistry at the school, who heads the team of researchers. The catalyst also is suitable for reacting alkynes and can be used to produce most amines.