Heterogeneously catalyzed selective hydrogenation of amides to alcohols and amines

We report the heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of amides to form alcohols and amines. This C-N bond cleavage reaction is catalyzed by silver on γ-alumina, proceeds smoothly in high yields and 100% selectivity, and is effective for both benzamides and aliphatic amides. This is in contrast to amide hydrogenation catalyzed by heterogeneous catalysts, which generally proceeds via C-O bond cleavage. Recycling experiments show that the catalyst Ag/γ-Al₂O₃ can be easily recovered and regenerated without decrease in catalytic activity.