Direct Synthesis Of Lactams From Keto Acids, Nitriles, And H-2 By Heterogeneous Pt Catalysts

We report herein the first general catalytic system for the direct synthesis of N-substituted gamma- and delta-lactams by reductive amination/cyclization of keto acids (including levulinic acid) with nitriles and H-2 under mild conditions (7bar H-2, 110 degrees C, solvent free). The most effective catalyst, Pt and MoOx co-loaded TiO2 (Pt-MoOx/TiO2), shows a wide substrate scope, high turnover number (TON), and good reusability.