10.1002/cssc.202000856
The research explores a novel method for synthesizing primary amines using an iron catalyst. The purpose of this study is to develop a sustainable and efficient process for the reductive amination of ketones and aldehydes using ammonia as the nucleophile, leveraging an earth-abundant metal catalyst. The researchers synthesized an iron catalyst by impregnating a specific Fe complex onto a nitrogen-doped silicon carbide (N-doped SiC) support, followed by pyrolysis and reduction steps. This catalyst demonstrated broad substrate scope, converting various ketones and aldehydes, including purely aliphatic, aryl-alkyl, dialkyl, and heterocyclic compounds, into their corresponding primary amines with good to excellent yields. The catalyst also tolerated multiple functional groups such as hydroxy, methoxy, dioxol, sulfonyl, and boronate esters. Key chemicals used in the research include the Fe complex (complex I), N-doped SiC as the support material, ammonia dissolved in water as the nitrogen source, and hydrogen gas. The study concludes that the developed iron catalyst is easy to handle, selective, reusable, and suitable for upscaling, making it a promising alternative to traditional noble metal catalysts for the synthesis of primary amines.
10.1021/acs.organomet.7b00603
The study investigates the impact of ligands on the reactivity of iron complexes in the reductive radical cyclization of unsaturated organic halides. It focuses on the role of ligands in the structure and reactivity of active anionic iron(I) hydride and borohydride species. The researchers synthesized an iron(II) borohydride complex, [(η1-H3BH)FeCl(NCCH3)4], and compared its catalytic properties with those of the iron(II) hydride complex, [HFeCl(dppe)2]. The study found that the ligand environment significantly influences the catalyst's ability to activate substrates, with the borohydride complex being more effective in activating both iodo- and bromoacetals compared to the hydride complex. The research provides new insights into the design of radical mediators, emphasizing the importance of ligand tailoring on the metal center for successful catalysis.
10.1039/c2gc16421c
The study presents a novel synthesis of bimetallic copper–iron nanoparticles that serve as a recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for the azide–alkyne “click” reaction in water. The iron(0) core of the nanoparticles plays a threefold role: it enables magnetic recoverability, acts as an electron source to reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I), and supports Cu(I) species to prevent them from dissolving into the solution, thus facilitating a heterogeneous catalytic mechanism. The synthesis of the catalyst is straightforward and does not require additional reducers or ligands, making the process atom-economical. The nanoparticles catalyze the production of a diverse range of triazoles with good yields, and they can be easily separated and reused multiple times. The study highlights the green chemistry aspects of using magnetic nanoparticles as easily recoverable catalysts and conducting the reaction in an aqueous medium.
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