Selective Synthesis of Secondary Amines via N-Alkylation of Primary Amines and Ammonia with Alcohols by Supported Copper Hydroxide Catalysts

The N-alkylation of primary amines and ammonia (in situ generated from urea or aqueous ammonia) with alcohols to secondary amines was efficiently promoted by supported copper hydroxide catalysts, Cu(OH)(x)/Al2O3 and Cu(OH)(x)/TiO2 The observed catalysis was truly heterogeneous, and the catalysts could be reused without an appreciable loss of catalytic performance