Reductive amination of carbonyl compounds using NaBH4 in a Brønsted acidic ionic liquid

Reductive amination of carbonyl compounds using sodium borohydride is conducted in the Brønsted acidic ionic liquid, 1-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HMIm][BF4]). The ionic liquid plays the dual role of solvent as well as catalyst for efficient conversion of aldehydes and ketones to amines in excellent yields without the formation of side products.