Ruthenium-Catalyzed Direct Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds for the Synthesis of Amines: An Overview

Reductive amination is a valuable method for amine synthesis that has been the topic of a century's worth of in-depth study in both academia and industry. Amines and their derivatives serve as incredibly adaptable building blocks for a broad array of organic substrates and are significant precursors for a myriad of advanced chemicals, physiologically active compounds, agrochemicals, biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. The creation of innovative catalytic processes for the long-term and selective synthesis of amines from readily accessible and environmentally benign reagents remains a top priority in chemical research. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts have been designed with success to enable these reactions to explore new amines. Ruthenium catalysts are employed in reductive amination owing to their stability, selectivity, versatility, low toxicity, and high efficiency. This review comprehensively overviews the Ru-catalyzed reductive amination processes and includes the literature from 2009 to 2022.

Automated summary

Reductive amination is a valuable method for amine synthesis, which has been extensively studied in both academia and industry for a century. Amines and their derivatives are versatile building blocks for various organic substrates and play a significant role in the production of advanced chemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and more. The development of innovative catalytic processes for the selective and sustainable synthesis of amines from readily available and environmentally friendly reagents remains a major focus in chemical research. Ruthenium catalysts have shown excellent performance in reductive amination due to their stability, selectivity, versatility, low toxicity, and high efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Ru-catalyzed reductive amination processes, covering the literature from 2009 to 2022.