Efficient Synthesis of Various Secondary Amines Through a Titanium(IV) isopropoxide-Mediated Reductive Amination of Ketones

An efficient method for the synthesis of various secondary amines through a titanium(IV)- isopropoxide-mediated reductive amination reaction of ketones is reported. Thus, a series of different ketones and amines were involved leading to the expected products in moderate to excellent yields up to 98% in numerous cases. The mechanistic rationale of this reaction has been demonstrated through 1H and 13C NMR experiments and occurs exclusively via the formation of a transient imine species. Keywords: Titanium, reductive amination, ketones, secondary amines, imines