Isomerization of an imine intermediate in a reductive amination reaction over metal catalysts

The reductive amination reaction of acetone by cyclohexylamine over hydrogenation metal catalysts was investigated. The study is focused on the formation of side products in the reaction. It was verified that the formation of amines having unusual combinations of alkyls is caused by the metal-catalyzed rearrangement of the double bond around the nitrogen atom in an imine intermediate and consequent reactions of the isomeric imine. It was found that the isomerization reactions occur over virtually all of the hydrogenation catalysts studied, while their respective activities for the imine isomerization decreases in the order Ni = Co > Ru > Pt = Rh > Pd.