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Electroreductive amination of carboxylic acids by cobalt catalysis

Author

Listed:
  • Huihua Bi

    (Hunan University)

  • Zhizheng Chen

    (Hunan University)

  • Changsheng Bi

    (Hunan University)

  • Shuanglin Qu

    (Hunan University)

  • Jie Liu

    (Hunan University
    Hunan University)

Abstract

Catalytic reduction of carboxylic acids to valuable chemicals is highly desirable yet challenging for both biomass conversion and organic synthesis. Here we describe an efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic acids with amines utilizing protons as the hydrogen source. The application of an earth-abundant cobalt complex enables electrochemical generation of a cobalt-hydride intermediate, which serves as the key catalytically active species for this reductive process. Obviating the need for flammable H2 gas or sensitive hydrides, this general hydrogenative coupling of carboxylic acids with amines and nitroarenes allows producing a wide range of structurally diverse complex alkylamines under mild electrocatalytic conditions. Furthermore, the practicality and versatility of this protocol are demonstrated through its application in valuable isotope labeling using readily available deuterium sources.

Suggested Citation

  • Huihua Bi & Zhizheng Chen & Changsheng Bi & Shuanglin Qu & Jie Liu, 2025. "Electroreductive amination of carboxylic acids by cobalt catalysis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62396-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62396-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bing Wang & Xianshuai Huang & Huihua Bi & Jie Liu, 2024. "Electroreductive alkylations of (hetero)arenes with carboxylic acids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Zhaofei Zhang & Chuntian Qiu & Yangsen Xu & Qing Han & Junwang Tang & Kian Ping Loh & Chenliang Su, 2020. "Semiconductor photocatalysis to engineering deuterated N-alkyl pharmaceuticals enabled by synergistic activation of water and alkanols," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
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