Magnetically Induced Amination of Alcohols Using MNi@Cu (M=Fe, Co) Nanoparticles as Catalysts

Abstract The synthesis of tertiary amines from alcohols (i.e. heptanol, dodecanol, cyclohexanol, benzylalcohol) and secondary amines (Me 2 NH (DMA), n Pr 2 NH, n Bu 2 NH) has been achieved in one step using trimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) displaying a magnetic core (Co 4 Ni 6 and Fe 3 Ni 7 ) and a Cu shell as both catalysts and heating agent in the presence of an alternating magnetic field. This methodology limits the redistribution reactions occurring on amines at high temperature leading to both much higher conversion and selectivity in the absence of solvent than usually observed using conventional heating. Moreover, Co 4 Ni 6 @Cu NPs were found moisture resistant, thereby allowing for performing the reaction with commercial DMA in water (40 % wt) with again high conversion and selectivity.