Reusable Nickel Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Reductive Amination for Selective Synthesis of Primary Amines

The preparation of nickel nanoparticles as efficient reductive amination catalysts by pyrolysis of in situ generated Ni‐tartaric acid complex on silica is presented. The resulting stable and reusable Ni‐nanocatalyst enables the synthesis of functionalized and structurally diverse primary benzylic, heterocyclic and aliphatic amines starting from inexpensive and readily available carbonyl compounds and ammonia in presence of molecular hydrogen. Applying this Ni‐based amination protocol, ‐NH2 moiety can be introduced in structurally complex compounds, for example, steroid derivatives and pharmaceuticals. Tartaric acid‐derived Ni‐nanoparticles: Pyrolysis of Ni‐tartaric acid on silica produces stable and reusable nickel nanoparticles, which empowers the synthesis of linear and branched benzylic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic amines from easily accessible and inexpensive carbonyl compounds and ammonia using molecular hydrogen.