PMGB

To a stirred suspension of the N-benzyl derivative (x gm, 0.01 mol) and 10% Pd-C (x gm, equal weight, introduced into the flask after evacuating and then filling it with nitrogen, keep fire extinguisher nearby in case it catches fire) in 40 mL anhydrous methanol (first introduce Pd-C, evacuate the flask, fill in nitrogen, then add methanol slowly for safety reasons) taken in a round bottom flask fitted with a wide condenser (to prevent it from blocking with formaldehyde polymer) and nitrogen inlet was added ammonium formate (0.079 mol) in one portion at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered through a celite pad, washed with 2 × 10 mL methanol (taking care that the catalyst is never dry otherwise it may catch fire, after filtration put the Pd-C in water in a container for proper disposal). The combined filtrate and washing was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the corresponding amine in quantitative yield.

References:

Formic acid as the hydrogen source:

1. ElAmin, B.; Anantharamaiah, G. M.; Royer, G. P.; Means, G. E. J. Org. Chem. 1979, 44, 3442-3444.

Ammonium formate as the hydrogen source:

2. Ram, S.; Spicer, L. D. Synth. Commun. 1987, 17, 415-418.

3. Ram, S.; Spicer, L. D. Tetrahedron Lett. 1987, 28, 515-516.

Note: Please read http://curlyarrow.blogspot.com/2008/02/catalytic-hydrogenation-now-fire-free.html and the comments there in if you are planning to use Pd-C in your reaction.