Catalysis in Flow: Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Primary Amines from Alcohols and NH3

A highly selective synthesis of primary amines from alcohols and NH3 was achieved on using a commercially available Ni catalyst, without adding H-2. Using a continuous flow reaction platform, the amination of aliphatic alcohols can be achieved in good yields and selectivities, as the accumulation of water byproduct can be removed. Competitive formation of the nitrile side-product was suppressed when the catalyst was prereduced. Modes of catalyst deactivation were also briefly examined.