Reductive amination is one of the most versatile and atom economical methods for forming carbon–nitrogen bonds directly from carbonyl compounds and amines. Over the past two decades, this transformation has evolved from classical stoichiometric reductions to highly selective, catalytic, and sustainable methodologies. This review discusses recent advances in metal-catalyzed hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation, hydride-mediated, organocatalytic, photochemical, and electrochemical reductive amination
strategies. Emphasis is placed on catalyst design, mechanistic understanding, green reducing agents such as PMHS and formic acid, and the growing importance of sustainability. Computational studies and industrial applications are also highlighted to provide a comprehensive perspective on this rapidly developing field.
Keywords: Reductive amination; C–N bond formation; PMHS; SnCl₂·2H₂O; transfer hydrogenation; chemoselectivity; green chemistry; electrochemical reduction.
Journal
Research and Reviews in Biotechnology and Biosciences
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Ingale Shivam Dnyaneshwar & Shobha Waghmode (2026). Recent Developments in Reductive Amination: Catalytic Strategies, Mechanistic Insights, and Sustainable Approaches. Research and Reviews in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Volume: 13, Issue: 1, (January-June), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18604702
Ingale Shivam Dnyaneshwar & Shobha Waghmode, 2026. Recent Developments in Reductive Amination: Catalytic Strategies, Mechanistic Insights, and Sustainable Approaches. Research and Reviews in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Volume: 13, Issue: 1, (January-June), pp. 16-23.
Ingale Shivam Dnyaneshwar & Shobha Waghmode. "Recent Developments in Reductive Amination: Catalytic Strategies, Mechanistic Insights, and Sustainable Approaches." Research and Reviews in Biotechnology and Biosciences Volume: 13, Issue: 1, (January-June) (2026): 16-23.
@article{rrbb_290_IngaleShi,
title = {{Recent Developments in Reductive Amination: Catalytic Strategies, Mechanistic Insights, and Sustainable Approaches}},
author = {Ingale Shivam Dnyaneshwar & Shobha Waghmode},
journal = {Research and Reviews in Biotechnology and Biosciences},
issn = {2321-8681},
year = {2026},
volume = {Volume: 13, Issue: 1, (January-June)},
pages = {16-23},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18604702}
}
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