Development of Direct Synthetic Methods of Primary Anilines Using Ammonia as a Nitrogen Source

Primary anilines are versatile intermediates, while the direct syntheses from aryl halides using NH3 as nitrogen source remain difficult. However, in recent years, catalytic direct synthetic methods of primary anilines under mild conditions have been reported by some groups. In this short review, recent advances of direct synthesis of primary aniline using metal catalysts (Pd, Cu) without high pressure, high temperature and long reaction time are described.