Reductive Transformations of Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Rhodium Supported on a Carbon Matrix by using Carbon Monoxide as a Deoxygenative Agent

An efficient method for the rhodium on carbon matrix catalyzed preparation of secondary and tertiary amines, cyanoesters, and nitriles through the reductive amination/alkylation of carbonyl compounds was developed, including a convenient procedure for the tandem formal reductive addition of acetonitrile to aldehydes. The catalyst could be reused, and at least three consecutive reaction cycles were performed with comparable efficiency. The method was shown to be compatible with functional groups prone to reduction by hydrogen and complex hydrides.