Synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted and 2,3,6-trisubstituted anilines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80400-2

A number of 2,6-disubstituted and 2,3,6-trisubstituted anilines have been prepared via the selective para dehalogenation of the corresponding anilines. Modification of the substituents on the amino nitrogen demonstrates that the selectivity is derived from steric rather than electronic effects. The effects of the choice of formate hydrogen donor, Pd catalyst, solvent, and temperature upon the efficiency and selectivity of the dehalogenation are discussed.