ABSTRACT
We describe the selective hydroaminomethylation of aliphatic olefins with ammonia to form linear primary and secondary aliphatic amines. A dual metal catalytic system based on rhodium and iridium is used in combination with a two-phase reaction system which leads to easily adjustable selectivities. In addition, for the frnt time the hydroaminomethylation of styrene with ammonia giving pharmaceutically interesting primary amines is shown. It is possible to recycle the aqueous catalyst phase with no significant loss of activity and selectivity, respectively, which is important for the industrial application of this reaction.
