A new catalyst has been developed by researchers in Israel which offers an alternative solution to the production of amines on both a laboratory and industrial scale.

The use of amines is required for the manufacture of a range of products including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, agrochemicals, plastics, dyes, pigments and additives, yet their production remains a problem due to primary amines' reactive nature and the over-reliance on toxic reagents.

However, by creating an air-stable ruthenium complex which can be used as a catalyst in the process David Milstein and Chidambaram Gunanathan at the Weizmann Institute of Science appear to have solved the problem posed by primary amines' synthesis.

Using the complex, researchers have been able to create primary amines from alcohols and ammonia at relatively low temperatures and pressures and without the need for vast quantities of toxic materials.

A report which appears in the journal Angewandte Chemie also suggests that yields of primary amines when produced using the new method are high.

The genesis of this new solution could have both ecological and economic benefits.

Ruthenium in a Clinch, 13/10/08

http://www.physorg.com/news143102411.html

Selective Synthesis of Primary Amines Directly from Alcohols and Ammonia, 07/10/08

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121431218/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Ruthenium in a Clinch

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/26737/home/press/200840press.html