Direct Synthesis of Polyetheramine Using Ammonia: Novel Amination Route with a Zn-Based Homogeneous Catalyst

In this work, we report a novel Zinc-based homogeneous catalysis ([Zn(tu)3]SO4) system for preparing olyetheramine (PEA) from polyethylene glycol (PEG) precursor. This direct amination of PEG is provided in good yield under mild and environmentally benign condition. Formation of the PEAs was confirmed by 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results showed that a closed system is necessary for amination of PEG. Investigation of NMR spectra indicated that an overall SN1-like mechanism is a possible mechanism in this process