A microwave-assisted SmI2-catalyzed direct N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols
A new protocol for the alkylation of aromatic amines has been described using alcohols in the presence of SmI2 as a catalyst with the generation of water as the sole byproduct. The reaction proceeds under MW conditions and selectively generates monoalkylated amines. This protocol features a broad substrate scope and good functional-group tolerance with moderate to high yields.