This PhD thesis describes the Au-catalysed alkylation of amines using alcohols (AAA). The work was broadly divided into two parts: (i) developing mechanistic and kinetic models for the reaction; and (ii) further catalyst development.

The introductory Chapter provides and overview of reported homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for the AAA reaction, with a comparison of their scope and limitations.

Chapter 2 begins with a summary of a previously reported mechanistic model using Au/TiO2 to catalyse the model reaction of aniline with benzyl alcohol in flow. The Chapter proceeds by comparing the effects of O2 and the use of different H2O concentrations when performing the model reaction. Additionally, the stability and possible deactivation routes of the catalyst is interrogated.

In Chapter 3, the results from the mechanistic studies are used to further develop the previously reported kinetic model.

The effects of using different preparation techniques and supports on the catalyst structure and activity of Au/TiO2 are detailed in Chapter 4 and 5, respectively. Chapter 6 presents the activities of different metal catalysts for the model reaction.

Chapter 7 contains experimental procedures for reactions and catalyst preparation methods.