Colloid and nanosized catalysts in organic synthesis: XIV. Reductive amination and amidation of carbonitriles catalyzed by nickel nanoparticles

Abstract

Hydrogenation of carbonitriles catalyzed by nickel nanoparticles in the presence of primary amines led to the predominant formation of unsymmetrical secondary amines. In the presence of secondary amines hydrogenation of nitrites provided enamines as main products. Hydrogenation of nitriles in the presence of formamide or acetamide afforded formyl or acetyl derivatives of primary amines.