Mo2C catalyst leads to highly efficient hydrogen transfer of alcohols and amines to synthesize N-alkylamines†

Abstract

We found that molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) can be applied as a novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogen transfer of anilines and alcohols to synthesize N-alkylamines. The results of experiments and DFT calculations demonstrate that Mo₂C surface can reduce the energy barrier of the key step of alcohol dehydrogenation and generate a hydrogen spillover effect, thereby exhibiting outstanding catalytic performance.