Reductive amination of 1,6-hexanediol with a modified Ru/Al2O3 catalyst

The synthesis of 1,6-hexamethylenediamine via the reductive amination of 1,6-hexanediol is a fascinating green process and a challenging topic. We developed a kind of Ru/PRL(x)-Al2O3 catalyst for the reductive amination of 1,6-hexanediol, the active Ru species was highly dispersed and anchored by the CNx species formed from 1,10phenanthroline (PRL). The Ru particle dispersion, electronic interaction, and acid-basic property as well as the catalytic mechanism and the rate determining step were discussed in detail. The new and more acid-base pairs formed, and the electron deficient Ru species and smaller nanoparticles are responsible for the improved catalytic performances of Ru/PRL-Al2O3 catalyst. The yield of 1,6-hexamethylenediamine could reach to 54%, which is the best results reported up to now. The present catalytic process is of great potential for industrial application as it is a green process compared to the traditional method for 1,6-hexamethylenediamine production.

Automated summary

1,6-Hexamethylenediamine was successfully synthesized via the reductive amination of 1,6-hexanediol using a Ru/PRL(x)-Al2O3 catalyst. The highly dispersed and anchored Ru species, formed by 1,10-phenanthroline (PRL), played a crucial role in the catalytic reaction. The formation of new acid-base pairs, electron deficient Ru species, and smaller nanoparticles contributed to the improved catalytic performances of the Ru/PRL-Al2O3 catalyst.