A (pyridyl)phosphine-ligated ruthenium(II) catalyst for the selective benzylic <i>N</i>-alkylation of amines will be descussed. The catalyst operates via a hydrogen borrowing mechanism under mild conditions, neat, and without a base or other additive. These conditions offer remarkable functional group compatibility is, including reactions involving phenols and anilines, indoles, and phenols, which are otherwise difficult to achieve. Mechanistic studies suggest, unlike other catalyst for this reaction, the redox steps are fast and reversible while imine formation is slow.

Base and solvent-free ruthenium-catalyzed alkylation of amines

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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