Synthesis of Nitriles from Aerobic Oxidation of Amines Catalyzed by Ruthenium Supported on Activated Carbon

Nitriles were synthesized from the aerobic oxidation of amines over commercially available catalysts, which were activated carbon-supported ruthenium catalysts (Ru/AC). The 5%Ru/AC catalyst can tolerate a wide range of substrates, such as aromatic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic amines, and afford the target nitriles in good-to-excellent yields. The 5%Ru/AC catalyst was easily recovered and no ruthenium leaking took place in the catalytic run.