No Transition Metals Required - Oxygen Promoted Synthesis of Imines from Primary Alcohols and Amines under Ambient Conditions.

ABSTRACT: The synthesis of imines denotes a cornerstone in organic chemistry. The use of alcohols as renewable substituents for carbonyl-functionality represents an attractive opportunity. Consequently, carbonyl moieties can be in situ generated from alcohols upon transition-metal catalysis under inert atmosphere. Alternatively, bases can be utilized under aerobic conditions. In this context, we report the synthesis of imines from benzyl alcohols and anilines, promoted by KO^t Bu under aerobic conditions at room temperature, in the absence of any transition-metal catalyst. A detailed investigation of the radical mechanism of the underlying reaction is presented. This reveals a complex reaction network fully supporting the experimental findings.

SUBMITTER: Himmelbauer D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10946877 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature