Ru-Catalyzed Switchable N-Hydroxyethylation and N-Acetonylation with Crude Glycerol
Highly efficient Ru-catalyzed selective C?C or C?O bond cleavage of polyols (e.g., crude glycerol) for N-hydroxyethylation or N-acetonylation of amines was achieved through the hydrogen-borrowing approach. A variety of amines were transformed to the desired amino alcohols/ketones in moderate-to-excellent yields, opening up new avenues for generation of oxygenated pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals from renewable raw materials. The use of new redox-active catalysts containing bisphosphine/thienylmethylamine ligands allows this hydrogen-borrowing system to be operated selectively under both basic and acidic conditions.
Direct hydroxyethylation of amines by carbohydrates: Via ruthenium catalysis
An efficient and halogen-free catalytic methodology for the synthesis of β-amino alcohols from aromatic amines and biomass-derived carbohydrates is demonstrated for the first time. The activation of C5/C6 sugars by a ruthenium catalyst selectively generates the C2 alkylating reagent glycolaldehyde. The transformation involves metal-catalyzed hydrogen borrowing for the reduction of the imine intermediate. A series of arylamines bearing various substituents were successfully transformed into the desired products in good to excellent yields.