The reductive amination of carboxylic acids is a very green, efficient and sustainable method for the production of (bio-based) amines. However, with current technology, this reaction requires two to three reaction steps. Here, we report the first (heterogeneous) catalytic system for the one-pot reductive amination of carboxylic acids to amines, with solely H2 and NH3 as the reactants. This reaction can be performed with relatively cheap ruthenium–tungsten bimetallic catalysts in the green and benign solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). Selectivities of up to 99% for the primary amine could be achieved at high conversions. Additionally, the catalyst is recyclable and tolerant for common impurities such as water and cations (e.g. sodium carboxylate).
