Hydroamination of 1,3-cyclohexadiene with aryl amines catalyzed with acidic form zeolites

The intermolecular hydroamination of 1,3-cyclohexadiene with aniline using zeolite catalysts was investigated. The reaction mechanism and the influence of amine basicity on the rate of reaction were studied. Zeolite H-BEA was the most active catalyst, whereas the incorporation of Zn2+ (Zn/H-BEA) led to decreasing catalytic activity, indicating that the reaction is catalyzed by Brønsted acid sites. Subtle shape selective effects determine the reactivity and selectivity of the zeolites.