Visible-Light-Driven Aerobic Oxidation of Amines to Nitriles over Hydrous Ruthenium Oxide Supported on TiO₂

Abstract

Aerobic oxidation of amines to nitriles under visible light irradiation was catalyzed by supported hydrous ruthenium oxide catalyst. Both LED (blue, green, or red) and the Sun were effective light sources for the transformation of benzylic and aliphatic amines to the corresponding nitriles under atmospheric pressure of O2. Water can be used as a solvent instead of toluene without the loss of activity and selectivity.