Selective synthesis of substituted amines

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Selective mono- or di-amination of alkanediols is controllably obtained by catalytic reaction with secondary amines at moderate temperature and autogenous pressure, by selection of the catalyst employed. Ruthenium complexes compounded or admixed with selected organic phosphines, such as triphenylphosphine favor high yields of, alkanolamines, while ruthenium complexes in the absence of organic phosphines favor production of alkylenediamines. Iridium complexes with or without organic phosphines in admixture or chemical combination also, promote production of alkylenediamines.