Development of supported iridium catalysts for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing chemicals via hydrogen transfer

Abstract

We have developed titania-supported iridium catalysts that are effective for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing chemicals such as imines and/or azoles via hydrogen-transfer from nitro compounds and primary alcohols. The reaction can be operated under significantly mild conditions, at 80 ^oC. In particular, surface crystalline structures of titania supports strongly affects the catalytic activity, and the catalysts supported on [010]-faceted anatase showed excellent activities. Detailed characterization and the reasons of effects of crystalline structure of the titania surfaces are discussed