Selective reductive amination of aldehydes from nitro compounds catalyzed by molybdenum sulfide clusters

Abstract

Secondary amines are selectively obtained from low value starting materials using hydrogen and a non-noble metal-based catalyst. The reductive amination of aldehydes from nitroarenes or nitroalkanes is efficiently catalyzed by a well-defined diamino molybdenum sulfide cluster in a one-pot homogeneous reaction. The integrity of the molecular cluster catalyst is preserved along the process.