A ruthenium racemisation catalyst for the synthesis of primary amines from secondary amines.

A Ru-based half sandwich complex used in amine and alcohol racemization reactions was found to be active in the splitting of secondary amines to primary amines using NH3. Conversions up to 80% along with very high selectivities were achieved. However, after about 80% conversion the catalyst lost activity. Similar to Shvo's catalyst, the complex might deactivate under the influence of ammonia. It was revealed that not NH3 but mainly the primary amine is responsible for the deactivation.