Valorization of biomass derived terpene compounds by catalytic amination

This review fills an apparent gap existing in the literature by providing an overview of the readily available terpenes and existing catalytic protocols for preparation of terpene-derived amines. To address the role of solid catalysts in amination of terpenes the same reactions with homogeneous counterparts are also discussed. Such catalysts can be considered as a benchmark, which solid catalysts should match. Although catalytic systems based on transition metal complexes have been developed for synthesis of amines to a larger extent, there is an apparent need to reduce the production costs. Subsequently, homogenous systems based on cheaper metals operating by nucleophilic substitution (e.g., Ni, Co, Cu, Fe) with a possibility of easy recycling, as well as metal nanoparticles (e.g., Pd, Au) supported on amphoteric oxides should be developed. These catalysts will allow synthesis of amine derivatives of terpenes which have a broad range of applications as specialty chemicals (e.g., pesticides, surfactants, etc.) and pharmaceuticals. The review will be useful in selection and design of appropriate solid materials with tailored properties as efficient catalysts for amination of terpenes.