I found an interesting patent that discloses examples of the Leuckart synthesis which includes the use of various catalysts (MgCl2, Mg chloroacetate, Pb(OCOCH3)2, ZnCl2, ferric citrate, AlCl3, (NH4)2SO4) which often increases yields.


http://www.google.com/patents/US2603661?pg=PA1&dq=2603661&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OS3eUI7kFu610AH7m4DIAg&ved=0CDkQ6wEwAA#v=onepage&q=2603661&f=false


EDIT: The patent is attached.