Synthesis of 1,2‐Diamino‐1,2‐Diphenylbutane by Titanium Induced Reaction of Ammonia with Acetophenone

Abstract Reaction at room temperature of gaseous ammonia with acetophenone under the influence of low‐valent titanium ‐ prepared from TiCl3: LiAlH4 in the molar ratio 2 : 1 ‐ leads to formation of 2,3‐diamino‐2,3‐diphenylbutane in a synthetically useful yield (58 %). It is essential to simultaneously add NH3 and ketone keeping their ratio 1 : 1 until the ratio Ti: NH3: ketone = 1 : 1 : 1 is reached. Mass spectral characteristics and other spectroscopic properties of the new compound and of some side compounds are discussed. A plausible mechanism of the aminative reductive ketone coupling is given.