A highly efficient method for the hydroaminomethylation of long-chain alkenes under aqueous, biphasic conditions

The use of salts of secondary and primary amines with different inorganic and organic acids in hydroaminomethylation enables the quantitative conversion of 1-octene with high selectivity for saturated amines. We propose that a cationic rhodium species is formed under the acidic conditions which catalyses the hydrogenation of the enamine or imine formed subsequently. Thus the use of acids and amine salts enables the hydroaminomethylation of long-chain alkenes under aqueous, biphasic conditions with quantitative conversions and short reaction times. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.