First example of direct reductive amination of aldehydes with primary and secondary amines catalyzed by water-soluble transition metal catalysts

An unprecedented efficient and highly selective direct reductive amination of aldehydes with primary and secondary amines in water using gaseous hydrogen and water-soluble catalysts is developed. The catalytic system formed in situ from Pd(PhCN)2Cl2 and 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC), allows full conversion of aldehydes and the formation of desired alkylated amines with excellent yields and selectivities. The catalytic system is stable and can be recycled and reused three times without loss of activity.